Obama to push for regional defense system in Gulf; China to impose harsher punishments for pollution; Japan and Philippines hold anti-piracy exercises in waters off Manila Bay; France expands spy powers; ferry between Florida and Cuba approved; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday May 6
Syria peace talks kick off in Geneva; Indian PM Modi to make first visit to China; South Korea and Vietnam sign free trade agreement; EU revises economic forecast upwards; and more
Read MoreThere's none so deaf as they that will not hear
The saga of family carers for the severely disabled is still being written, despite Parliament's attempts to put a full stop on it. It makes for a really interesting constitutional tale.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday May 5
Afghan and Taliban leaders meet in Doha to negotiate cease-fire; China and Taiwan hold high-level talks; bodies found in Thailand thought to be from abandoned trafficking camp; thousands of migrants rescued from Mediterranean Sea; suicide blast rips through Damascus; and more
Read MoreHas New Zealand a Rock-Star Economy?
Why does the Minister of finance say this is is hardest budget ever? The economy may be doing moderately well, but it is by no means preforming outstandingly.
Read MoreWhen the numbers don't add up
Do the sums and read between the lines, and it looks like something has to give in this year's budget. And I think I know what it may be...
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday May 1
Nepalis protest slow delivery of aid; North Korea's nuclear reactor may be operational again; Japanese PM appeals to US to back TPP, citing 'deep regret' over World War II; French soldiers accused of sexually abusing refugee children from Central African Republic; another US presidential candidate announces run for White House; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 29
US and Japan announce new defense cooperation guidelines; Korean ferry captain sentenced to life in prison; EU urges Ukraine to reform, warns membership long way off; Baltimore riots lead to state of emergency; and more
Read MoreShould Environmentalists Care About Poverty?
Can an environmentalist focus solely on sustainability or are they drawn into wider issues such has how fairly the material product of the economy is distributed?
Read MoreHas John Key tugged off more than he realises?
John Key's hair-pulling raises questions about just what kind of player he is, and his interview on The Nation reveals a worrying lack of judgement and understanding of power
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday April 24
EU leaders meet to address migration crisis; China warns of North Korea's growing nuclear capability; Kim Jong-un will visit Moscow in first state visit since coming to power; Nigerian forces lead assault on Boko Haram stronghold; Pentagon to unveil new cybersecurity strategy; and more
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday April 22
Two arrests related to Mediterranean migrant boating disaster; EU warns of possible ban on Thai seafood; Japan sets new train speed record; Morsi sentenced to 20 years in prison for violence against protesters; EU to file antitrust charges against Russian power giant; and more
Read MoreHolistic Financial Regulations
While the Reserve Bank may have startled everyone by asking the government to take a fresh look at taxation on investment housing, the recent statement by the Deputy Governor indicates that we are inching towards a more holistic approach to macroeconomic policy.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday April 21
EU foreign ministers meet to assess escalating migrant crisis; Philippines alarmed by China's land reclamation efforts in South China Sea; Japan and US iron out outstanding TPP issues; China and Pakistan sign investment deals worth $46 billion; dozens of people with links to Greece's neo-Naxi political party go on trial; and more
Read MoreTaming the Auckland property market
The crazy Auckland property market needs reining in. Capital gains tax as a way of controlling house prices doesn't work overseas, but what about a land tax?
Read MoreLest we forget
It isn't just the service men and women of New Zealand whose sacrifice we need to remember at this year's ANZAC Day. Our involvement in World War One came at the cost of some pretty important freedoms as well.
Read MoreThe pull of the 51st State of America
The US Congress has managed to insert itself into the Iran nuclear negotiations but its reasons for doing so are highly questionable - more to do with sucking up to Israeli lobby election dollars and diminishing Obama than the safety of the rest of us - Americans included.
Read MoreThough ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to reckon with me
Arthur Taylor's tilt at the windmills of Hellensville predictably has resulted in a shattered lance. Now we wait for the outcome of his really interesting court challenge.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday April 16
Progress on US efforts to curb Iran's nuclear programme; China approves founding members for new bank; Japan to propose increased rice imports from US; Europe accuses Google of monopoly abuse; Cuba removed from terrorism sponsor list; and more
Read MoreNational needs a Capital Gains Tax - it's still borrowing to pay for tax cuts
The deficit-funded tax cuts that National gave the high income earners is still being paid for by borrowing.
When National won office at the end of 2008, they had a mandate to give median income earners a tax cut 'north of $50 a week'. At the time John Key made that promise he explicitly pledged not to increase GST to pay for it.
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