In a key shift, the United States is lifting a ban on New Zealand navy vessels visiting US ports, and will remove obstacles to defence talks and exercises.

Defence Minister Jonathan Coleman says deepening military co-operation with the US won't endanger NZ's relationship with China, saying we can be friends with both major powers.

Weighty matters are at stake this election, and then there are the issues that Karyn Scherer asked a few well-known people to ponder