The leaders of the main two parties both seem determined to miss a moment when voters would love to see them grapple with the unhealthy culture pervading our political life. It's time to move beyond the same old excuses
Read MoreThe only winning move is not to play
We might think the participants in the Craig v Slater defamation decision got what they deserved ... but for the fact that one of them continues to have to relive something she would far, far rather put behind her.
Read MoreShould We Tax Sugar?
And how should we tax sugar? The science and the economics are more difficult that one might think.
Read MoreRoss, Bridges and the party hopping law (updated for recent developments)
Should Simon Bridges use the party hopping law to force Jami-Lee Ross from Parliament? You can make up your own mind up on that, but he can if National's caucus wants him to [update: unless Ross' seat becomes vacant because of his mental health].
Read MoreWhat is the Significance of a Big Government Fiscal Surplus?
Does the Government’s Big Surplus Mean it Can Spend Up and Tax Down?
Read MoreRoss, Bridges, donations and our Politics
Jamie-Lee Ross has levelled a very serious accusation against Simon Bridges - which has yet to be confirmed. But its the way his actions are hurting our Politics we need to really worry about.
Read MoreInvisible Children
The Prime Minister told the UN that she aimed for New Zealand ‘to be the best place in the world to be a child’. Once we said it was.
Read MoreTowards a Low-Emission Economy.
Reporting a civilised conversation on the policy challenges of reducing carbon emissions.
Read MoreWhat value do we put on the values worth valuing? How New Zealand First has it wrong
New Zealand First's push for an immigrants 'values test' has taken a dark turn, so let's have a look at all the things New Zealand First is getting wrong here
Read MoreIs There Public Service in Our Public Service?
Are we confident that the proposed changes to State Services legislation will address the real problems?
Read MoreTrade War or Financial Crash?
Are the claims of an imminent financial crash justifed or hysterical? (These are notes prepared for Nights with Bryan Crump. 18 September 2018)
Read MoreYou're not the boss of me now
The Supreme Court has this week released a judgment that not only raises issues for the Crown’s settlement negotiations with Hauraki, but it also marks a shift in how the Court sees its relationship with Parliament.
Read MoreWhat the Prime Minister Should Have Said to Business
Jacinda Ardern Did Not Say Enough at a Recent Business Breakfast.
Read MoreResurrecting the Development State
The Government’s proposed infrastructural entity in context.
Read MoreMinisters be warned: Next time the Band-Aid will come off fast
Jacinda Ardern may have been misguided showing mercy to Clare Curran two weeks ago given the odds of more coming out. But at least she's not left with a low bar precedent around her neck
Read MoreThoughts from the Criminal Justice Summit
The recent Criminal Justice Summit talked about the need for change – especially in terms of engagement with Māori. But there was little about what that change might actually look like.
Read MorePolitical Turmoil When the Economy Sours.
Australian politics has been even more entertaining than New Zealand’s. But aside from the ambitions of the comedians is there something else going on?
Read MoreHow do you solve a problem like Chelsea?
Chelsea Manning is a convicted criminal and so some say the government should not allow her entry to New Zealand. But on what grounds should any government be allowed to police speech? How do we draw the line?
Read MoreAke, Ake, Ake!
We need to give greater protection to the public assets of heritage value.
Read MoreTime for leaker to come clean and get help
UPDATED: This post is a different version from one published on RNZ this morning. It takes into account Trevor Mallard's decision to halt the inquiry into the leak of Simon Bridge's travel expenses. A decision that doesn't resolve anything
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