The Epsom candidates' debate last night drew out the bizarreness of a race where the frontrunner would rather lose and the ACT candidate is rallying behind the leader of another party. At least the unacknowledged presence in this race was finally discussed by name
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 MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday November 10
Italy's borrowing rate passes 7 percent; investors say Italy may be next domino to fall in European debt crisis; Chinese inflation falls for third consecutive month; South Korea to resume humanitarian aid to North Korea; flood relief in Pakistan drying up but need still great; opposition candidate boycotts polling in run-up to Liberian election; and more
Read MoreThe Greens' double digit strategy
The Greens' success could be down to Labour's struggles or a sign of the times. But it could also be down to a carefully crafted game plan that seems to be pushing all the right buttons
Read MoreSome quick legal advice for Dave Cull
Dunedin's police will not be moving to evict the Occupy Dunedin protest. Good on Dunedin's police.
Read MoreThe battle for Tamaki Makaurau
Organisation will be key to winning the Maori seat on the Auckland isthmus. But guest Pundit Morgan Godfery says even Labour's well-oiled turn-out machine will find Pita Sharples tough to topple
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 9
Berlusconi wins budget vote but loses majority; Italian PM meets with ministers as allies urge him to resign; Bonds hit new high; Australia set to get carbon tax; US to use APEC to pressure China on yuan; Syrian forces enter Hama; Syrian protesters call for intervention in Hom "disaster area"; and more
Read MoreNo doubt the precogs have already seen this
If you know someone very well might do a bad thing in the future, then why wait until they do it before punishing them?
Read MoreIs it the right time to sell assets? Lessons from the past
Even if you think it's smart to stimulate the sharemarket and create some capital, is it the right time to sell portions of our state assets? It's a telling question and you'll be surprised who asked it
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Tuesday November 8
Greeks to form new government which will implement EU plan for sovereign debt; calls for Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign due to debt crisis; 500 dead in Bangkok flood; Indonesian government to increase defense budget by 35 per cent in response to China's growing military influence; Iran on brink of developing nuclear weapons; China and Pakistan to strengthen ties; and more
Read MoreSpreadsheet Troopers: The Battle Rages On
National aggressively points the finger at Labour while admitting $2.6b in mistakes under its breath.
Read MoreAt my signal, unleash hell
The Dunedin City Council has tired of the Occupy Dunedin protest and wants it gone. So why is it still there?
Read MoreWinston Peters' last roll of the dice: bugger 'em all
It's his way or the highway for Winston Peters, after a speech today ruling New Zealand First out of government. Either the disgruntled rally to his flag or he's history
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday November 4
Greece and euro crisis to dominate G20 meeting; if Greece goes bankrupt, it will trigger a domino effect, say experts; top business leaders call for development of a "multi-polar" global currency system with more emphasis on Chinese yuan; suicide bomber attacks NATO supplier in Afghanistan; US Fed lowers growth expectations for next two years; and more
Read MoreHow big is the hole in Key’s “$17b hole”?
The “show me the money” costings war is a credibility test for both John Key and Phil Goff
Read MoreLabour's bubble burst, but what's this amongst the minors?
National is still defying gravity in the first polls of the campaign proper. But there are talking points emerging on the right and potential decisions looming for John Key
Read MoreNo crime. No celebrities. Just intelligent local TV. Is it too much to ask?
TVNZ 7 will end in June 2012 when its funding runs out. This will make NZ the only developed country without a Public Service Broadcaster, but it doesn't have to be this way
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Thursday November 3
Greek PM wins backing of his cabinet to hold nationwide referendum on EU financial rescue plan; manufacturing slowdown in Asia may be result of European debt crisis; a boat filled with asylum seekers from Iran and Afghanistan capsized on way to Australia killing seven; Netanyahu orders building of 2000 houses for Israelies in disputed territory Palestinians claim as their own; Assange loses appeal aganst extradition to Sweden; and more
Read MoreQuick thoughts on National's welfare policy
Is National really what it seems on welfare reform? I don't know about you, but I'm getting really mixed messages. I'm also not sure the second child/one year policy will survive the election
Read MoreGutsy UNESCO exposes US 'democracy'
The US hissy fit punishment of UNESCO for its recognition of Palestine makes even more of a mockery of America's continuing role in Middle East peace negotiations.
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