A few takeaways from the local body elections, including lessons for Labour and National and the start of 'The Phil & Bill Show'. Whoooo will win?
Read MoreBill English
Now the drugs (laws) don't work, they just make you worse
It's not exactly news that our criminal prohibition on possessing marijuana is a really bad policy. But a bunch of news stories this week serve to remind us just how bad it is.
Read MoreWhat lies beneath: Another (good) govt u-turn
Bill English wasn't interested in helping with infrastructure a few weeks ago, now National is riding to the rescue. It's a good move, but another sign of a panicked government
Read MoreNational stuck in "release land" mantra
National is stuck in the bad old days with its obsession with land supply. Auckland now needs something more, and here's what
Read MoreThe Budget: A Longer Term Prognosis.
A major preoccupation of the budget was preparing for the next major financial crisis. To do so it is reducing government spending relative to GDP. Where do tax cuts fit in?
Read MoreHousing game-changer: Spreading the blame
Housing remains the government's biggest weakness and so National is redoubling its efforts. No, not to build houses, but to contain the political damage
Read MoreBudget 2017: The Prequel
Bill English's eight budget ticks boxes here and there, but it will be remembered in history for its complacency and the missed opportunities it represents
Read MoreNational's Auckland problem -- a tale of two cities
More houses or not more houses, that is the question that's starting to create real tension inside the National Party as one of the government's key economic policies comes under pressure from its own
Read MoreScience is golden... But where's the gold?
With our leading science organisations 'right-sizing' and science funding stalled, is the government's approach to science meeting the needs of New Zealand now and in the future?
Read MoreKeep it in perspective, eh?
National's attempt to downplay economic concerns is like telling the All Blacks not to worry about playing without their front row
Read MoreNew twists in the state house sell-off
A start of my post on state housing sales... More to come later, but feel free to start discussing now
Read MoreBudget 2015: A clever patch-up job, but stitched together by broken promises
National has reinforced its capacity to surprise, but also its capacity for making things up as it goes along. And to make ends meet, Key and English have done several u-turns
Read MoreThe Budget analysis - before it's even delivered
Here's my take on the Budget... before it comes out.
Read MoreHas New Zealand a Rock-Star Economy?
Why does the Minister of finance say this is is hardest budget ever? The economy may be doing moderately well, but it is by no means preforming outstandingly.
Read MoreWhen the numbers don't add up
Do the sums and read between the lines, and it looks like something has to give in this year's budget. And I think I know what it may be...
Read MoreAn economic comedy in four acts
A little pre-Christmas fun, looking at Treasury's prediction that National will fail to reach its much-promised surplus through some literary lenses
Read MoreNot another column about the Labour leadership
Time to stop talking about the Opposition and focus on what will really effect us over the next three years: what will the National government do to protect Kiwis from another looming recession?
Read MoreThe truth about our 'rockstar economy'
A softening of the housing market, falling dairy prices and potential weakening of the Chinese economy do not bode well for New Zealand
Read MoreIdeas, ethics & drugs - why you need to keep asking
Ask and you will receive... Maybe. Eventually. In an election campaign getting a straight answer can be like pulling teeth
Read MoreIf this was Labour we'd be calling it a mess
National's campaign strategy is starting to look shakey, and it's as much to do with the economy and discipline as Dirty Politics
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