Staying ahead of Covid
We must stay vigilant. It looked as though New Zealand had another narrow escape from the clutches of Covid-19 but there was another flutter of fright last night when two more people were urgently...
Editorial
Let the Games begin?
Let the Games begin?
It is understandable that some fans of the Olympic Games — perhaps, especially, those who still believe in the event’s Corinthian ideals and have not been left jaded by its long descent into crass...
Flicking the switch on EVs
Flicking the switch on EVs
When you accelerate in an electric car it gathers speed rapidly. It would be positive if the numbers of electric vehicles took off this year in similar fashion.
Cheques checking out
Cheques checking out
Those of us who have been merrily swiping and clicking for years will not be perturbed cheques are expected to have checked out in New Zealand by the middle of this year.
Covid will dominate year again
Covid will dominate year again
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern will preside over her first Cabinet meeting of the year next week, when she and her ministers will consider the Government’s agenda for the year ahead.
Southern say: Political machine (slowly) stirs back to life
Southern say: Political machine (slowly) stirs back to life
Politics is something that has largely happened elsewhere for the previous five weeks, something for which we should all probably be very grateful.
Optimism, ambition and realism
Optimism, ambition and realism
The nightmare is officially over. The appalling United States presidency of Donald Trump has finished. Joe Biden is in charge of the most powerful and most influential nation on earth.
Global pandemic response needed
Global pandemic response needed
There are few surprises in the second report from the independent panel set up by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to evaluate the international health response to Covid-19.
Joining forces
Joining forces
Sometimes, you need to make peace to make progress. And could sport, in that regard, provide a lesson for all of us?
Editorial: Only one way on one-ways
Only one way on one-ways
EDITORIAL:The Dunedin City Council’s plan to turn George St into a slow one-way street raised serious concerns about retail and central city viability, but there is a bigger threat looming.
Breathing space for Tiwai
Breathing space for Tiwai
The most famous use of the "four more years" phrase is a rather unpleasant memory for many New Zealanders. It was when mouthy Australian halfback George Gregan mocked the All Blacks during the 2003...
Uneasy inauguration countdown
Uneasy inauguration countdown
The second impeachment of United States President Donald Trump this week will do little to ease the tension in the countdown to the inauguration of the next president on Thursday.
The birds are still singing
The birds are still singing
When was the last time you laughed?
Staying on top of Covid vital
Staying on top of Covid vital
Increased testing measures for air passengers coming into New Zealand announced this week have been welcomed, but questions remain about aspects of the Government’ s response.
Not all forecasts are equal
Not all forecasts are equal
As the rain pelted down across much of the South over the holiday break, few could honestly call it a stellar start to summer. While timely weather warnings were certainly provided for much of the...
Vaccination watch useful for NZ
Vaccination watch useful for NZ
With New Zealand’s first Covid-19 vaccinations not expected until after March, health authorities are well placed to learn from the pig’s ear some countries are making of their inoculation programmes.
Clear direction crucial in tough times
Clear direction crucial in tough times
If 2020 has taught us anything, it is the importance of officials releasing clear, accurate and rapid information to the public as soon as possible.
Success in the peculiar game
Success in the peculiar game
New Zealand’s summer of test cricket is scarcely believable.
Trump and fragile democracy
Trump and fragile democracy
The scenes from the United States Capitol building are shocking not just the United States but the whole world.
Thorough Waikeria review needed
Thorough Waikeria review needed
It was an odd juxtaposition. On New Year's Eve riotous behaviour was occurring on two rooftops — unruly teens stomping on a cafe in Whangamata and 16 inmates of Waikeria Prison holding out after...