Star Opinion

The Christchurch Call meeting at the UN in New York. Photo: RNZ / Craig McCulloch

Christchurch Call: Helping or hindering?

Two years after the Christchurch Call was initiated, the United States has finally joined, writes Gabriel Ford.

Prison reforms need to speed up

It is easy to understand Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier’s exasperation at the "glacial" pace of change in our prisons.

Opinion: A ‘phenomenal’ rainstorm

Flooding on the inland scenic route in Arundel, Canterbury. Photo: Rebecca Ryan

Opinion: A ‘phenomenal’ rainstorm

Nobody could honestly say they were not warned about the weekend rainstorm that has transformed the face of Canterbury and the lives of many Cantabrians.

Draft system might help NZ sides compete with Crusaders

Crusaders’ captain Scott Barrett and coach Scott Robertson celebrate winning the Super Rugby...

Draft system might help NZ sides compete with Crusaders

By winning Super Rugby Aotearoa, their fifth Super Rugby title in a row, the Crusaders may actually be contributing to the demise of our national game, writes Highlanders fan Randal Scott.

Chris Lynch: Synthetic drug scene destroying lives

It comes after a Coroner's report again warning of the dangers of synthetic drugs after the death...

Chris Lynch: Christchurch's synthetic drug scene is rife and destroying lives

Christchurch's synthetic drug scene is thriving but it's killing people, ruining lives, destroying families - and creating a massive mental health crisis in the Garden City.

Newspaper has proud history of supporting literary talent

The creative juices are flowing in jail as inmates look to express themselves through the Otago Daily Times prison creative-writing competition.

Accusation of mental health censorship shocking

Chris Lynch: How will mental health improve when reports are being censored?

Opinion: The Ministry of Health is accused of being deceitful and I can understand why, writes Chris Lynch.

Opinion: Labour's housing bombshell

Former ACT New Zealand deputy leader and MP Dr Muriel Newman says last week’s housing announcement "was a shocking indictment of Jacinda Ardern’s Labour Government".

Why the property boom is bad for divorcing couples

The family home is considered relationship property, regardless of whose name is listed on the...

Why the property boom is bad for divorcing couples

For couples going through a separation, they have had to face additional uncertainty as they try to secure property valuations in an ever-changing property market, writes Jeremy Sutton.

'Humble' has a different meaning in Christchurch

Opinion: 'Humble' has a different meaning in Christchurch

Richie Mo'unga "was effusive in his praise for the Crusaders' 'core values' post-match, most notably humility, which didn't track at all from what we saw of him and Sevu Reece in the final stages", writes Jamie Wall.

Chris Lynch: Muppets being offended by Muppets

My favourite television show of all-time, The Muppet Show, has joined a growing list of TV programmes slapped with a "content warning" by Disney on its streaming service, writes Newstalk ZB's Chris Lynch.

Chris Lynch: No free ride during Covid-19 pandemic, travellers pay up

Chris Lynch: No free ride during Covid-19 pandemic, travellers pay up

OPINION: I feel lucky living in New Zealand, particularly during the global pandemic, and it's a pity some travellers seem to be taking the country for a bit of a financial ride.

Opinion: Ratepayers will need to dig deep

Ratepayers should understandably be outraged and worried by the latest financial blow they are about to be hit with.

Readers react Karl du Fresne opinion piece

Readers react Karl du Fresne opinion piece on how NZ is being transformed

Readers react to last week’s column by former NZ newspaper editor and now well known blogger and columnist Karl du Fresne who lamented where New Zealand is heading.

Kate Hawkesby: Who'd be a landlord in Dunedin?

Hostel living around the world is easier than flatting in Dunedin. Photo: ODT

Kate Hawkesby: Who'd be a landlord in Dunedin?

OPINION: With the onslaught of students in Dunedin comes an onslaught of flat warmings, which makes Kate Hawkesby feel a bit queasy for the landlords.

Better safe than sorry with lead in water

Calvin White of the DCC filling Water containers in Waikouaiti today. PHOTO:PETER MCINTOSH

Better safe than sorry with lead in water - Canterbury Uni professor

The recent issues with lead in drinking water have prompted Ian Shaw, professor of toxicology at Canterbury University, to reflect on the history of lead and lead poisoning.