If Murray McCully told Parliament that MFAT told him legal risk justified the Saudi Sheep deal, then why does MFAT say they never told him that?
Read MoreTime for true transparency (& I don't just mean tax)
The lack of transparency in this campaign is galling, but it's not just around tax and water. Under MMP we're voting for a coalition government and it's time politicians started acting like it
Read MoreFudging to the left of me, ghosts to the right:The lolly scramble election
As often as they say "let me be clear", politicians from both major parties this election are being anything but clear with voters. In a lolly scramble election, we deserve better
Read MorePressures to be Selfish
The last column described the philosophy of economist James Buchanan as it applied to the United States. What is its relevance to New Zealand?
Read MoreElections make some people say some silly things
Advance voting began today, and in two weeks time the whole shouting match will be done. None to soon, given the effect it seems to be having on some people.
Read MoreNo Gareth, you shall not go to the debate tonight
Gareth Morgan's attempt to have the High Court thrust him into tonight's TVNZ minor party leaders' debate failed. On the whole, taking everything into account, that's probably a good thing.
Read MoreIs Gareth Morgan different from the rest, or just one more?
So is Gareth Morgan going to go to court to force his way onto TVNZ's minor party debate? That story is a familiar one to me, but it also will be a defining moment for TOP
Read MoreRisky Business: Decision 17 debate has candidates on slippery ground
National and Labour leaders show just how close it is and how much is at stake, by upping the risk factor with new policy announcements live in the second leaders debate
Read MoreWealth’s Political Stealth
A new biography of James Buchanan, a founder of economist’s public choice theory, suggests he was not only anti-democratic but was working with others to revoke democracy in America.
Read More"Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts ... "
National apparently doesn't think gang members with criminal records are properly human. Or, rather, they don't deserve to be given the same rights that full humans possess.
Read MoreA taxing debate night, but everything's changed
It was a wonkish, nervy, tepid debate, but the political earthquake had come earlier and it changes the way we look at Election 17
Read MoreRecognising the time value of money
Because the value of a dollar changes over time, Teina Pora's compensation payment for wrongful conviction was fundamentally unfair. The High Court has just reminded the Government of this apparently simple fact.
Read MoreHe’s Spent It All
The just published PREFU, Treasury’s assessment of the economy, raises more important questions about our fiscal stance than what the election is talking about. Have we the right borrowing strategy?
Read MoreWhat lies beneath this election campaign
Just under a month out from Election 17, the former deputy Prime Minister looks at the state of the parties and makes some picks
Read MoreTV debate time: Election 17 gets the boost it needs
One party leader wins the feel-good vibe from the first TV leaders debate, while another actually resets his party's campaign and lays down a new bottom line
Read MoreTax and Spend - isn't that what all politicians do?
All politicians, even those who say otherwise, raise taxes and spend money. The question this election is - what do they spend the money on? Politicians need to tell us not just what they will do but also explain why it will make a difference.
Read MoreArdern v English: Is this the time of transformation?
A stark difference has arisen between the two major parties in recent days - one doubling down on old ways and another bursting with new generation vibes. Peter Dunne's resignation reinforces the sense that generational change is coming. But when?
Read MoreGrumpiness and Government Spending
The policy dimension of the election appears to be about the concerns with past restraints on government spending and the consequential social failures. But whatever the rhetoric, implementation of campaign promises is going to be much harder.
Read MoreTiming is everything for Ardern & Labour
Jacinda Ardern and Labour have time on their side for a change. It may allow New Zealanders to think it's their 'turn', but only if they can avoid distractions like, oh, trans-Tasman squabbles
Read MoreWhen is Lying Justified?
Equivocation and dissembling have been integral parts of political life. How should we judge them?
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