With two Dirty Politics inspired inquiries on the go, where are they taking us? And will they make everything better?
Read MoreJudith Collins
What Collins' resignation means for journalism & the campaign
The pressure of good journalism by many over a period of weeks was at the heart of the weekend's major developments, and it means the next 20 days will be unlike any we've seen
Read MoreJudith Collins and Me: A familiar story
Nicky Hager's Dirty Politics has provided the disinfectant of sunlight but the kinds of behaviours are long-standing. Take this example from 2005. Does it look familiar?
Read MoreBlue on blue
Thus, I give up the spear!
Judith Collins says she has stepped down because of an email that says she did something that she never did. Should we believe her?
Read MoreThe "Dirty Politics" stories - where are we?
The Dirty Politics brushfire is starting to dampen down. Time to rake over the ashes and see what got left behind.
Read MoreDirty Politics: The battle of the metaphors
There's lots of stuff we know and lots we don't know following the latest round of Dirty Politics interviews... Here's my take on what we know so far and what it means
Read MoreThe politics of vilification
The specifics in the Hagar book are devastating. To focus on them, the left should take Nicky Hager’s advice and avoid the politics of vilification.
Read MoreA crazy day in dirty ol' NZ politics
Dirty Politics could have the unintended consequence of harming all New Zealand politicians... and the Prime Minister's terrible stand-up
Read MoreA taxonomy of scandal
A scandal can be distinguished from a controversy. Immigration policy became controversial in the 90s, the foreshore and seabed in the 2000s. Even though there were bungles, and offensive views and policies were aired, the underlying issue was always sharp disagreement over core values and policies.
In a scandal, the underlying issue is wrong-doing.
Read MoreWhy the Collins case is about then, not now
The timelines are damning, the hits this week revealing. But in the end none of it matters, because it all comes back to that dinner and what we knew months ago
Read MoreAre we approaching a political tipping point?
On their own, the odd golf game, visa waiver or dinner doesn't shake public confidence in a government. Until something happens that pulls the threads together and puts them in a new light... Enter Maurice Williamson...
Read MoreIt is the evil things that we shall be fighting against ... and against them I am certain that the right will prevail
Judith Collins wants to go to war with the media. That probably is ... not wise.
Read MoreThe takeaway from Judith's Chinese dinner
While Judith Collins was in China, she perhaps should have read some Sun Tzu: “If ignorant both of your enemy and yourself, you are certain to be in peril.”
Read MoreCollins & Cunliffe – how to win friends & influence people
Perception matters immensely when it comes to politics, but reality matters even more. So let's talk about realities
Read MoreCommon sense was the winner on the day
You can all relax now - it looks like you'll still be able to wear your favoured political party lapel badge next election day. Because I know you were really worried about that.
Read MoreThe status quo is not a neutral position
David Farrar is very angry that a political party is unilaterally trying to game electoral law for its own benefit. It's good to see him being so critical of National's behaviour with respect to the reform of MMP.
Read MoreEvery end is a new beginning
I thought I'd written the last word on New Zealand electoral law. Then bloody Judith Collins tells the world she's going to make a whole lot more.
Read MoreThe Environment Court, and the one percent
The court with “the potential to affect New Zealanders’ day-to-day quality of life more than any other court in the judicial system” is on the ropes. The RMLA speaks out
Read MoreWhat the daft fluoride decision says about a Kiwi culture shift
Hamilton councillors are just the latest folk to fall prey to fear-raising arguments against 'mass medication' and in favour of individual choice, while ignoring science. What's going on?
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