Why is the Crown fighting a court case it knows it is very unlikely to win? Because doing so stops it from having to face cases it really would prefer not to deal with.
[Update: see important revisory note at post's end!]
Read MoreLetter to Bill
Your In-tray is piled high.
Read MoreWait or go? The big choice for the substitute Prime Minister with a tail wind
Despite the polls, an English win at next year's election would be an historic achievement. Which makes the choice of when to go to the country, so very important
Read MoreShearer: the one that got away or a fish out of water?
As David Shearer looks to hit the road, some are asking whether he was Labour's golden opportunity missed. So is that nostalgia or wise hindsight speaking?
Read MoreDoing the right thing
Today the right thing was done for two individuals by public officials who were not forced into doing so. Let's just take a moment to savour an occasion when things worked the way they should.
Read MoreThe call of the centre
As John Key exits stage centre undefeated and to much applause, the question becomes who will be bold enough to take up his mantle in the middle? As voters start shopping around, who's looking the part to succeed him?
Read MoreAngries and Mangries
Could the alienated grumpies have a greater effect on New Zealand political life?
This was written before John Key announced his resignation. Other than perhaps the tense I think there is no need for revision.
Read MoreWhat is Technology?
A new book leads to ponderings on our technology strategy.
Read MoreA special treat for Dunedin readers!
Sir Geoffrey Palmer and Dr Andrew Butler propose that New Zealand should have a written constitution. If you're in Dunedin this Wednesday night, come along to the Museum and hear why.
Read MoreA little something for the weekend (now with pictures!)
The Nation this weekend is telling the story of family carers of disabled adult relatives and the pretty shabby way they've been treated over the years. And it looks like Sam Lotu-liga just doesn't want to talk about that.
Read MoreThree strikes and you still get out
The courts really, really don't like the "three strikes" sentencing regime. And they're doing what they can to avoid having it force them into actions they think are wholly disproportionate.
Read MoreThe Future of International Trading.
Can Trump wreck the world trading system?
Read MorePost TPP confusion - or, will Ms Miller come to Wellington?
Is it a good idea for New Zealand to try and resurrect the Trans-Pacific Partnership without the involvement of the USA? And, if it does so, will the Government have to go back to Parliament and ask it to change a Bill it's just agreed to?
Read MoreRestoring Fiscal Responsibility
The times are a’changing, as recent macroeconomic fashions are being abandoned and old verities are being restated.
Read MoreAngry People
The alienated Angries who supported Brexit and Trump are not going to go away.
Read MoreSo long, Leonard
Leonard Cohen has died. His music won't.
Read MoreWhen hate Trumps love – America's search for a DeLorean
Many thousands of Americans looked past Donald Trump's nastiness, abuse and incompetence in search of a time that has gone, tragically rejecting a woman with the potential to have made real change
Read MoreSub Lege
It is important that judges face criticism―but not attacks like those on the judges who decided the Brexit case
Read MoreJAFA Inequality
While overall income inequality may have been relatively stable over the last two decades, it appears to be increasing in Auckland (and perhaps in our other big urban centres).
Read MoreThey said I'd better take anything they'd got
A couple of interesting developments - one on the other side of the world and one here at home. Turns out that the UK's Parliament is still sovereign (who knew?). And I think Gareth Morgan should be given more praise than scorn for wanting to inject some thinking into New Zealand's political scene.
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