Dr James Farmer, a Queen’s Counsel, lays out the case against legalisation.
Read MoreThe cannabis referendum: the case against legalisation
referendum
Reeferedum thoughts
The Government's proposed model for the forthcoming referendum on marijuana legalisation isn't ideal. But the difference between it and the ideal really is pretty minimal.
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 MoreColin Craig is asking for the impossible
Colin Craig has just one thing he wants from National in any post-election deal. Unfortunately, it's something that National isn't able to give him.
Read MoreIdentity politics and secession booted out of Quebec
This week's Quebec election has dashed the dreams of the sovereigntists and unceremoniously routed the incumbent party for its disingenuous attempts to attack immigrants under the guise of equality through a strange interpretation of secularism.
Read MoreThe hasty NZ flag debate – is this the time and place?
So, the ol' flag debate, eh? But is now really the time? And is the process John Key suggested really the best way forward? And as for the silver fern...
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Parliament's 'short term' thinking
Politicians seem to agree that three years is too short... but will anything be done about it now we've got MMP?
Read MoreIt's time to put up or shut up
Now that the rather pointless referendum on keeping MMP is over and done with, the real work starts. You have to play your part, too.
Read MoreWell, that was quick ...
The debate between supporters and opponents of MMP just ended.
Read MoreYou can Vote for Change ... but why?
By all means let's debate the pros and cons of MMP. But it ain't going anywhere in November.
Read MoreJohn Key to announce the election date soon - I hope
New Zealand should fix its election date in law. Otherwise, John Key needs to tell us when the 2011 election will be held ... and soon.
Read MoreHow to run a referendum
The question and process for the 2011 referendum on MMP have been announced. It's all good.
Read MoreFrom Power to the people
So far, Simon Power is doing the right thing by the people and their constitution. Rodney Hide? Not so much
Read MoreAgainst Mike Moore, but in support of him too
If we're going to have to have a vote on MMP, we should begin talking about it honestly.
Read MoreReferendum Madness
Is it praiseworthy or plain dumb for a government to honour a stupid election promise?
Read MoreRankin is not the issue
If the government has a strategy for the Families Commission, then allowing the Christine Rankin row to run its course is not the way to advance it
Read MoreMaori Seats are the great survivors
The Maori seats are here to stay. NationaI has been purposefully vague about its abolition plans, and even if it was serious, getting the job done would mean a long and complex process of constitutional reform
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