Egyptian cabinet resigns as protests continue nationwide; At least 33 killed ahead of elections; Analysis says military junta doing "dismal job"; South Korea finalises free-trade deal with US; China claims 20% reduction in carbon emissions; West moves to isolate Iran banks; US supercommittee fails to reach agreement on debt; Moody's warns France; and more
Read MoreTV3 leaders' debate - my first impressions
Goff got a Labour-friendly debate and Key a National-friendly panel on tonight's TV3 leaders' debate. Given voters' low expectations of the Labour leader, it was his night as the worm ate him up with a spoon
Read MoreWhy National likes Winston's recent (but very modest) success
National is going after Winston Peters with all guns blazing. This must mean that they really are scared of him ... right?
Read MoreThe world is a (TV) stage – Key and Goff the players
In the final week of the election campaign, it's all about set-pieces, especially on television. Can the main leaders keep their heads and hit their marks as the pressure hits fever pitch?
Read MorePoll of polls update, and some projections, too.
Despite some excitement in individual polls, the polls as a whole show National still well above 50%, and New Zealand First still a long way below 5%.
Read MoreTime for a cup of tea, perhaps
The tea tape is making even sensible people like David Farrar say some pretty silly things. Lucky I'm here to put him back on course.
Read MoreGoverning alone - time to talk about power
Little more than a week out, National is still holding a majority in the polls. It's time to talk about what it means if that's how it winds up on election night
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday November 18
Mario Monti forms cabinet in Italy; markets remain sceptical of new Italian government; Obama tells Australian parliament US will take a long-term role in shaping Asia-Pacific; African leaders step up pressure on Somalian rebels; police discover "drug tunnel" stretching from Mexico to the US; and more
Read MoreLabour's bold play for the Maori vote
It took the Labour Party an age to release its Maori policy statement, but the wait may have been worth it. Guest Pundit Morgan Godfery discusses Labour's risky move
Read More5-0 be down here about the bodies, yo
The police "seizing" material from the news media isn't that big a deal. [Update: except for the bit that is ...]
Read MoreOut of a teapot and into hot water
John Key's famous cup of tea is at risk of leaving a sour taste as the story drags on and public opinion turns. But what does it mean for the election?
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Wednesday November 16
At least 70 killed in latest Syrian protests; Arab League to suspend Syria, despite foreign minister warning against "dangerous step"; Italy bond yields again top 7%; Gillard wants to sell uranium to India; Calls for Burmese political prisoners to be released; Libyan tribal tensions grow after Qaddafi; and more
Read MorePM's referendum comments unwise and manipulative
John Key's decision to speak out against MMP smells of partisan greed and hubris. It also raises questions for women, Asian and Pasifika voters and about what his tactics have been all along
Read MoreIt's the little things that really don't matter
You can kiss an issues-based election campaign goodbye.
Read MoreIt's all about 2014
Natural and international disasters have absolved National of the usual competency tests, but do New Zealanders really want a single party majority government?
Read MoreThe Conversation
Here's my suggestion to politicians. If you want to plot the takeover of the world without people finding out about it, don't do it in a Newmarket Cafe.
Read MoreHow bad is it in Europe?
Italian bond yields have risen above the critical seven percent mark. So where does this leave Italy and what can the rest of Europe do?
Read MoreLucky, lucky Peters. But can Winston win?
Winston Peters wins the oxygen of media attention and gets back in the game. But do we really want him back? Or has his time passed?
Read MoreTime for a pre-emptive strike on Israel's itchy trigger
A pre-emptive strike on Iran will blow apart the Middle East, and Israel will suffer long and hard. Don't do it.
Read MoreWorld News Brief, Friday November 11
Greece appoints economist as new PM promising to pass EU package; Italy may follow suit with its own technocract PM; Italian bond yields soar; Asian markets fall over EU uncertainty; China posts massive trade surplus as imports fall; IAEA report says Iran building nuclear weapon; Iran condemns report while Russia rejects santions call; Palestine expected to lose Security Council vote on statehood; and more
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