The vast majority of tributes to the Listener hearken back to its glory days, with little reflection on the magazine as it was at its end.
Read MoreObituary for The New Zealand Listener (1939-2020)
And God spake all these words, saying
We’re over a week into Level Four lockdown. The Government has just told us more precisely what that means for our daily lives.
Read MoreMaybe axing Clark would be unfair. But what about any of this is fair?
It is imperative that government ministers not be the only people immune from the inevitable vicissitudes of the lockdown.
Read MoreBackstage and Theatre
The swan politicians may be gliding on the water, occasionally snapping at one another. Meanwhile, as the Covid19 crisis illustrates, the officials are desperately paddling below providing the real locomotion.
Read MoreRIP The Listener, New Zealand's pioneering voice
Today Bauer Media announced it was pulling out of New Zealand, closing down magazines such as The Listener, North & South, Next and NZ Women’s Weekly. The media is changing and the loss of The Listener cuts deep
Read MoreOK, Britney: stop sniping at National for doing its job
If we don’t have unity we must have sharp, focussed and vigorous opposition.
Read MoreTime for Grant Robertson to reveal package #2?
Two weeks ago Grant Robertson announced the coalition government’s $12.1 billion rescue package as “just the beginning”. So when do we get the next bit?
Read MoreA place of greater safety?
We have handed over extraordinary powers to state officials to keep us safe. But if that is going to work, and to be tolerable for us over the weeks and months to come, we really need to know quite clearly just what it is that we need to do and why.
Read MoreWhy timing is everything: 'A time to refrain from embracing' starts today
Timing is key in politics and behind all the decisions, the government has had to consider not just the right moves but the right time to make those moves
Read MoreDealing with the Covid-19 Tsunami.
Not a grand coalition, but a government of national salvation
Loyal opposition is no longer possible, so national unity is now required.
Read MoreAll aboard the Covid Train
“Dear Deidre, I have an ugly confession. I am quite excited by Covid-19.”
This is how the piece went:
“I’m not a psychopath, honest. Although the disease scares me some, the raised cortisol levels I’m experiencing - it’s not just about the fear. I have to admit to a sort of Covid exhilaration.
Read MoreA plea to experts: safeguard your role in public life
In times like these, the role of experts is too valuable to imperil through politics
Read MoreHammering home measures to stop COVID-19
The Government’s advice on how to combat COVID-19 spread is cutting more and more into our “normal” lives. Do we have to do what it says, and why?
Read MoreGFC vs Covid-19
In my last column I discussed the time profile of the Covid-19 disruption. What are the economic implications and responses?
Read More
Black April, May and June?
In November 1918 New Zealand was hit by the worldwide flu which killed around 9000 of us. Is there anything to learn from this and later experiences?
Read MorePulling together in a crisis: The coalition's biggest test. And opportunity
At a time of crisis, voters look for leadership and politicians have permission to act in ways they are seldom able. Tomorrow’s economic package will test this government and could win or lose them the election.
Read MoreNo half-measures: the risk to the economy is too serious
The government needs to go big or go home. Here are a few things Liam Hehir hopes it plans to announce.
Read MoreStop trying to diminish Jenny Shipley’s barrier smashing
Here’s an idea: don’t be gross
Read MoreTomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow.
As our record on gun control shows, too often we find it easier to put off addressing issues until it is too late.
Read More