Much steadier foreign policy
United States President-elect Joe Biden and his team are not biding their time as they prepare for the transfer of power in January.
Editorial
Time up for Oranga Tamariki boss?
Time up for Oranga Tamariki boss?
A year ago, we suggested patience with Oranga Tamariki was running out and the public had limited confidence in the ministry’s ability to deal with children considered at risk.
Four-year parliamentary term
Four-year parliamentary term
When both the major parties agree with changes to Parliament itself, suspicions are heightened. What is in it for them? Will it be good for the wider public and democracy?
A remarkable gift
A remarkable gift
The best farmers do not take from the land; they merely look after it — and, ideally, enhance it — then hand it on to somebody else to do the same thing.
Appalling Afghanistan story not over
Appalling Afghanistan story not over
"We embarked on this inquiry with the hope that we would be able to report that the rumours of war crimes were without substance. None of us desired the outcome to which we have come. We are all...
Shadbolt plays blame game
Shadbolt plays blame game
It was to be a united-front press conference on Monday when the Invercargill City Council independent governance review findings were to be made public.
‘The Little Engine That Could’?
‘The Little Engine That Could’?
Although the plans for scenic train trips from Dunedin this summer might only be for a three-month trial, they are welcomed with enthusiasm. City residents are proud of Dunedin Railways (formerly...
Early childhood education concerns
Early childhood education concerns
Disquieting survey comments were aired last week from some teaching staff in early childhood education centres about the quality of the places where they worked.
Musician’s long road back from broken neck
Musician’s long road back from broken neck
His cherished oboe in his lap, Nick Cornish could not lift a finger to hold it. The Dunedin professional musician, a man who had lived and breathed music his whole life, was distraught.
A ‘better class' of tourist?
A ‘better class' of tourist?
When freshly minted Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash made his pronouncements this week on the future of the sector, it seemed like a notion from the more privileged Right than from a Labour Party MP.
Privacy law refreshed to reflect the times
Privacy law refreshed to reflect the times
Privacy Commissioner John Edwards was in our patch this week, briefing institutions and individuals on far-reaching law changes about to take effect in his patch.
Supermarket behaviour under scrutiny
Supermarket behaviour under scrutiny
Many shoppers and some grocery producers may have high hopes for the market study into supermarket practices announced this week by the Government.
Masks: better late than never
Masks: better late than never
The Government and New Zealand have been living the charmed life with Covid.
Ten years on
Ten years on
Conrad Adams. Terry Kitchin. Samuel Mackie. Stuart Mudge. Francis Marden. Glen Cruse. Joseph Dunbar. Michael Monk. David Hoggart. Kane Nieper. Richard Holling. Zen Drew. Malcolm Campbell. Daniel...
Disturbing house-price increases
Disturbing house-price increases
Observing the feeding frenzy on house prices is also like watching a slow-motion train crash. The soaring prices are harmful for several reasons, but no-one seems to be doing anything like...
Resolution needed on whitebaiting
Resolution needed on whitebaiting
West Coast whitebaiters — at least some of them — claim whitebaiting has a bit of the wild west about it.
League of Nations inauguration
League of Nations inauguration
Today at Geneva one of the most historic and important gatherings of representatives of Great Powers in the history of the world will be inaugurated. The object is to constitute the Assembly of the...
‘Asking people to do right thing’
‘Asking people to do right thing’
Covid-19 has run amok around the world including, of course, in New Zealand. The nationwide lockdown is already several months past, and Auckland’s August lockdown quickly recedes.
Aramoana — more than a tragedy
Aramoana — more than a tragedy
Thirty years ago today, people across New Zealand were shocked by the rampage of a lone gunman at the tranquil seaside town of Aramoana.
Best of the birds
Best of the birds
Now that the entree — the US election — is (effectively) over, it is time to move on to the main course.