We need a long-term plan for New Zealand

We need a long-term plan for New Zealand

For the first time in a generation, we now have two sides of the political spectrum that stand for very different things. Traditionally, our two major parties have straddled the political centre and that has resulted in decades of very stable government. But as MMP...
A budget for the country please.

A budget for the country please.

Normally we have to wait until the budget comes out before we hear that most overused of post-budget phrases, “there’s nothing in the budget for me”. This time around, the serial compainers have beaten even the finance minister to it, with claims that there’s nothing...
Asylum seekers ahead; proceed with caution

Asylum seekers ahead; proceed with caution

It’s nice to see our political leaders playing a constructive role on the international stage again. Last week, we saw our Foreign Minister joining other global leaders in calling for both sides in the Israeli conflict with Palestine to give serious consideration to...
The Remuneration Authority is tone deaf

The Remuneration Authority is tone deaf

The latest announcements by the Remuneration Authority suggesting an increase in parliamentary salaries strikes me as a government department that is tone deaf to the state of the country and the needs of the people. Most of us are feeling the pressure brought about...
When TV news is the news

When TV news is the news

Media people love reporting on the media. As a result when media companies start shedding services, people or programmes in this case, it can become the biggest story in town. And so we’ve had the news items, the coverage of meetings with staff, and finally the...