John Key says nobody owns the water. One hundred and sixteen years ago Richard Seddon told Ngati Kahungungu despite gifting Wairarapa lakes to the Crown, they still owned the water and the fish. Two prime ministers, which one is right?
Read MoreGoodbye Act, hello Libertarians
We already know there are 100,000 New Zealand voters willing to put a party into Parliament which upholds the principles of small government, choice, individual freedom and responsibility. Now that 'Brand Act' is well and truly stuffed, there's talk the Libertarianz Party might fill the vacuum.
Read MoreNo Virginia, There Is No Closure
The incomparable, incredible heaviness of grief and how it's just not fair
Read MoreParliament - the House of Representatives (even for the childless)
Parliament is supposed to be just that, the House of Representatives, its members a proxy for each and every one of us, warts and all. So sometimes we have to tolerate debates about subjects we might think are frivolous
Read MoreBananas in Pyjamas (well, Gisborne shopping centres)
Should Gisborne ban the wearing of pyjamas in public because, as one councillor said, it lowers the tone? Should we judge people by what they wear?
Read MoreWhat did you do in the 2011 campaign, Grandad?
It hasn't been the most scintillating of election campaigns, but is it really necessary to rate the sex appeal of our politicians in an effort to enliven proceedings?
Read MoreTrading Freedoms - Voluntary Unionism or the Right to Silence?
Simon Power needs Act's support to pass the Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill. Will he tell Act to stuff Heather Roy's Voluntary Student Union Bill where the sun doesn't shine, unless they hold their noses, and support grossly illiberal legislation which does away with the right to silence?
Read MoreYou Shan't Go To The Ball, Pimentella
How quickly the oppressed become the oppressors
Read MoreSo What, Mediawatch?
RNZ's Mediawatch, in its own words, "looks critically at the New Zealand media – television, radio, newspapers and magazines as well as the 'new' electronic media." So why doesn't it criticise the train wreck which Morning Report is rapidly becoming?
Read MoreIf Greens Address Right, What does that make New Act?
Following Sue Bradford's latest post, which indicates the Green's latest decision clearly signals they will align themselves with the right, it's difficult to restrain myself from saying 'I told you so'. But that there be dragons
Read MoreKiddies in Court
The Minister of Justice moved swiftly to change the rules on legal aid eligibility following Dame Margaret Bazley's report, but quick-as-a-flash, nothing's been done on her recommendation that creches be set up for kiddies in courts
Read MoreEnough Already - The Rozzers' Powers Need Curbing
The Police have more than enough laws to fight crime, it's just that they're not using them effectively. The two old parties - National and Labour - can just stop giving them more legislation. When did you ever hear the Rozzers say, "Thank you very much, we have enough power now."?
Read MoreFight Obesity – Nationalise the Dairies!
Here's an idea as we go into election year. Instead of part-privatisation of state-owned assets, especially those which generate essentials such as energy, why not nationalise the food outlets?
Read MoreSunday Star Times Loses Its Memory
In taking a whack at Maggie Barry's putting her hand up for the National Party's Botany candidacy, and almost every other journalist who's had a go in Parliament, the Sunday Star-Times editorial gives a once-over-lightly dismissal of some of the world's great leaders.
Read MoreStop Whining and Suck It Up
If you want to know why the wine industry's up the creek without a paddle, just look to those at the top. Join the Wine Institute of NZ Inc and stuff up a good thing.
Read MoreWould it be OK if God was a Capitalist, then?
In the midst of the most heart-warming story of the year, why must we argue over whom to thank – capitalism or God? Can't we have it both ways?
Read MorePaul Henry (Why Not? Everyone else is commenting)
How little it takes to send this country's commentariat into a prissy lather
Read MoreThe Self Destructive Gene of Individualism
Can small political parties, or political movements, survive their own members?
Read MoreWill Pammy's bordello survive?
Equality in prostitution is fine principle, but are women the same as men when it comes to shopping for sex?
Read MoreGod bless America
Where the F word is not a dirty word, and what a breath of fresh air that is.
Read More