Now that the police’s new Armed Response Teams are being used for “lower risk” events and not just “critical or high risk incidents” and the government’s top justice advisor has stated police have probably made their minds up already on their ‘trial’, the arming of police has become a political hot potato government ministers can’t dodge
Read MoreAndrew Little
Justice denied is not justice at all
Our Court of Appeal thinks that China's criminal justice system is so unsafe that it simply cannot try cases fairly - and our government ministers can't really trust China's promises that it will do better.
Read MoreGavin Hawthorn: send him to (drug) court, but not to prison
Since Gavin Hawthorn was sent to prison for ten years in 2003, over 5,000 people have died on New Zealand roads - at an average of 360 a year. That's almost one a day. Commentators calling for him to be sent to prison again are missing the point.
Read MoreEvery election is determined by the people who show up
It seems NZ referenda are a bit like Wellington buses - you wait ages for one to come along, and then three arrive all at once.
Read MoreIts not the justice system that's broken - its the political system
The Justice Advisory Board appointed by Andrew Little says it will take a generation to transform the system. So with New Zealand's three year election cycle, Little needs to get on with it
Read MoreState of the Union: The 'when a child is born' version
The birth of a child is almost always a joyous event, but it's especially so for a government that desperately needs the time-out to re-set itself and rediscover its discipline and competence
Read More"We have been here before"
You probably want to read about Andrew Little and Jacinda Ardern. But I want to talk about what our recently very busy Court of Appeal has been up to.
Read MoreSaving the furniture: How much more can Labour stand?
It's late in the day, but the Colmar Brunton poll finally put the question of Labour's leadership front and centre. Under MMP the answers are complex, but it recalls the twists and turns of 1990
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 lose when you win
Jordan Williams' apparently crushing defamation victory from last year carried within it the seeds of its own demise. And in overturning that victory, the High Court has some less than complementry things to say about his own behaviour.
Read MoreIn qualified praise of the Andrew Little defamation verdict
The defamation case against Andrew Little did not result in his having to pay any damages. All in all, I think that is a good thing for the country as a whole.
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 MoreLittle's dubious numbers, writ large: why no-one's sustainable on super
Welcome to the topsy-turvy world where no-one cares what Treasury says and only the only party that seems to give a toss about sustainability is... ACT
Read MoreDeputy Ardern: What it really means for Labour
Jacinda Ardern looks set to become the new deputy leader of the Labour Party as Annette King steps down. But while it looks like a no-brainer and only helps Labour this election year, it comes with its own set of risks
Read MoreNational v Labour: Someone unelectable is going to beat the odds
As the polls start to swing back into action, a look across the electoral battlefield sees two major party leaders both struggling to get firm footing and take the high ground
Read MoreLet me count the ways; three potential governments in 2017
Come September 24, there are really only three likely scenarios as to who could form a government, and odds-on Winston Peters will face two difficult choices
Read MoreNo, not that one. The other dangerous bit we could inherit from the US election campaign
Recent elections and votes in America, Britain and Australia have been brutal and brittle affairs with plenty of rancour, and some fear the same here this year. But I wonder if they're looking in the wrong direction
Read MoreThe call of the centre
As John Key exits stage centre undefeated and to much applause, the question becomes who will be bold enough to take up his mantle in the middle? As voters start shopping around, who's looking the part to succeed him?
Read MoreThe Opposition dating game
Labour and the Greens are making a match. But there's an ex-boyfriend hovering over proceedings
Read MoreOpponents of the TPP have been vague about their alternative
It’s time for opponents of the TPP to stop the gesture politics and answer some questions - like what is the alternative you propose? Do you really believe we can stay out of the TPP on our own? And do you want to pull out of the agreement after it is signed?
Read More