Editorial

Leaders from eight of the world's 11 richest countries are meeting in Northern Ireland this week - mainly to talk about the big issues facing the global economy.

It is easy to become pessimistic about world affairs - about corruption, human rights abuse, election rigging, murder and slaughter.

New Zealanders and other Western countries have during the past few years increasingly questioned their military role in Afghanistan.

Another barrier to the rebuilding of Christchurch has emerged, with the Christchurch City Council heading to a crisis meeting in the coming week after learning it is on the brink of losing its power to grant building consents.

The collapse of state-owned coal producer Solid Energy has been well documented in recent months.

Governments have tried over the years to steer attention away from New Zealand's primary industries as being the powerhouse of the economy.

Revelations of comprehensive secret spying on telecommunications and internet users by the United States Government have provided more questions than answers.

The fluoride debate. What on earth is the ''average'' person supposed to make of it all?

Charter schools may have been given the tick to get off the ground, but the jury remains out on what sort of report card they will deliver.

The leaking of a sensitive report on New Zealand's spy agency to a news media organisation has obviously had major consequences for those directly involved - and for those on the periphery.

The decision to reject the Betterways Advisory bid to build a $100 million waterfront hotel in Dunedin is, on the face of it, not surprising.

Insurance was once rated as essential for most New Zealanders.

WANGANUI: Two prospective brides of the North Island have been left practically at the altar.

Should the Dunedin City Council take the plunge, make a substantial investment and fix the current St Clair sea wall and surrounding infrastructure once and for all?

There are some uncomfortable issues in our society we don't like to think - or talk - about.

Thankfully, only property was destroyed in the spectacular World Bar fire in Queenstown 10 days ago.