The three year term has done its dash and in more complex times it’s time to change
Read MoreFixing the local government snooze-fest
Why is there so little voter interest in local government elections? And how do we fix it?
Read MoreFrom frustration in then UK to vacuousness in the US: Travelling a disgruntled world
The chaos of Boris Johnson, the vacuous response to US gun violence, Harry and Megan’s family size, and the surge of Andrew Yang… overseasia is a curious place right now
Read MoreThe best way through to the end of life
Conscience and consultation are good paths through the mire of emotional and controversial policies such as euthanasia. But referendums are key to ensuring voters are heard
The End of Life bill has been read a second time and is now heading for the House for further debate. Personally, I support the proposal. I don't ever expect to take advantage of the Bill's provisions myself, but as I see this is it my life – inasmuch as it is possible, how I end it should be my decision and mine alone.
Read MoreTreasury troubles, strike money & growing grains of salt for polls
Reality forces limits. But expectations once created have to be managed. The government is learning that the hard way. Plus money for striking teachers and poll lessons
Read MoreThe mysterious case of the door left open and the disappearing guns
There's no way to guarantee safety in an imperfect world, but you would hope to have confidence in the Police's ability to keep guns under lock and key. It seems not
Read MoreOwning a gun is a privilege: Firearms licences may need better checks & balances
I value the guns I own, but with ownership comes responsibility and it's reasonable to expect licences and those who enfore them to ensure the safety of all New Zealanders
Read MoreBehind Middlemore's rotten walls are even bigger problems
Whatever your view of current health funding, the Counties Manukau DHB's failure to sound the alarm is a dereliction of duty. What's more, there is a solution to the funding issues
Read MoreHow goes the revolution? Too soon to say
While they're still getting used to being taken seriously and driven around in limos, we've already seen some fumbles and fair play by the new government
Read MoreA new beast of a government, whichever way Winston goes
The vote this election was quite predictable, but the journey of the campaign was not and whichever new government we get, it will be very different from the John Key years
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 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 MoreInside the Papua New Guinea election
Getting to know our Pacific neighbour is increasingly important if we want to take a meaningful role in our own regional backyard
Read MoreModeration in all things, even elections
While Todd Barclay and Labour's interens have sparked some life into election year politics, here's hoping we learn from overseas and scandal isn't the dominate theme of Election 2017
Read MoreWhy 'the housing crisis' only cuts so deep
Housing may be top of the pops as an election issue for some, but it's not as many as you might think... and it won't be as easy to fix as you might think
Read MoreThe case for open doors
Put aside the populism and look at what immigration really brings us and what choices we really face
Read MoreHow to drive voting & policy debate this election... and how not to
What odds a policy debate this election? And how do we elevate it above more sensationalism and dirty politics? Here are some dos and don'ts
Read MoreWhy Bill English has done the hard thing, with Hit & Run
It's too easy to call an inquiry just to put the questions to bed, so the Prime Minister has called it right. Why put people through the mill without incontrovertible evidence?
Read MoreBrave Bill's super pledge: But what about tax & health?
Touching the third rail of superannuation is a brave act by any government, but what about those other curly questions?
Read MoreAll things in moderation, including even Trump, Brexit & judges
Just because Donald Trump is a shoot from the hip president, doesn't mean we should fall into the same trap
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