Pundit

The stand-off between teachers and politicians over the introduction of national standards in schools is simply a side-show in a much bigger struggle over who controls the country’s education system

This week's 31st anniversary of the establishment of Iran's Islamic Republic is likely to be marked by bloody and brutal crackdowns on protesters and the execution of nine currently on death row. The question must now be how long before the regime implodes.

Iran to enrich its own uranium – for medical purposes; War games suggest West won't stop Iran getting nukes; China goes after internet hackers; Karzai demands end to NATO raids as US-led forces prepares new campaign; and more

As the Key administration prepares for the opening of parliament for 2010, where is the plan and wisdom required for good governance? And where's the opposition? Here's a report card – in plain language

Seeing the tino rangatiratanga flag flying over prominent New Zealand landmarks will swell the pride of many Maori. But should a flag representing only one people only fly from government buildings? Is it exclusive? And what does it stand for?

The US has begun the long process of overturning law that required gay soldiers to lie about their sexual orientation. But overturning the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy promises to be a nasty, dirty fight

I have a pet. Being cruel to animals is wrong. But why put more people in jail for it?

Don’t fire up the bulldozers in the McKenzie Basin just yet. Land use consents for cubicle dairy farms granted by the Waitaki District Council may need to be reheard

Prime Minister John Key promises to be more open about the special operations role of NZSAS troop in Aghanistan. So, what do you really need to know?

The Tax Working Group has concluded that it's just too hard to stop tax avoidance by the rich. Their solution is the tax equivalent of allowing doping in sport

Weather’s this summer’s talking point. But here’s the newsworthy bit: in the Wellington region, the weather’s been great

War hero Willie Apiata is back on the frontline. New Zealand troops are armed with so-called “Jesus guns”. Our troops are training Afghan soldiers and police in counter-insurgency operations. Now, why shouldn’t we know that?

Targetting repeat offenders makes sense, but the three strikes bill has fundamental flaws that undermine our judiciary and make us less safe. That's right, less safe

This week the countries bogged down in Afghanistan meet in London to set new goals for their international mission and Hamad Karzai's government. But against a growing Taliban insurgency and runaway corruption, can talk deliver tangibles?

We're nearly one-twelfth of the way into 2010, but if you're averse to new year's resolutions it takes that long to make them

The New Zealand Defence Force is going to talk to the Herald about its use of Willie Apiata's photo. Perhaps it wants to take the photos of him off its own website first?

The brain in the White House appears to have been outsmarted by the brawn of a nude centrefold, as Obama's filibuster-proof Senate number has been whipped away by a man once voted America's Sexiest Man. You couldn't make this stuff up.

With postal voting for the new Auckland Council now less than eight months away, it seems that local boards will have some clout as they seek to represent the will of the people

The saga of Prince William’s encounters with the natives of New Zealand during his first Royal overseas mission – to open one of the world’s ugliest buildings