Just as the last voters in the flag referendum were putting their papers in the post this week, the Prime Minister announced the next Governor-General.

When the future of the current flag is once more up for discussion, we ought to put everything on the table.

There seems little doubt that the beachhead US economic forces are re-establishing in Cuba will eventually lead to a new era of political freedom.

The company assuredly would not again put buses on the road if its drivers were refusing to take fares, and passengers would know which side was to blame.

EDITORIAL: Witty messages on the back of a vehicle can be amusing, however not those displayed on the campervan company Wicked Campers.

Mr Little, though, is better than this. He has the misfortune to be leading the Opposition to a Government whose leader seemingly can do no wrong.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has given the Government a billion reasons to impose a sugar tax on soft drinks.

An informed discussion could lead to a position where the city felt confident to make the call whether it really wants - and actually needs - a stadium.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has talked for years about replacing the decile system of school funding.

A worst-case outcome - a four-year ban - would spell the end of Maria Sharapova's professional days and a spectacular fall from grace.

The Herald's startling burglary series this week has revealed that nearly every homeowner has a story about the crime.

The Labour Party is justifiably celebrating a victory on legislation to end "zero-hour contracts" even if it is victory on a fine point of law.

Little more than two years have passed since the country had an intense debate on the rightful limits of the state's powers of domestic surveillance.

Athlete Nick Willis has displayed remarkable personal courage by disclosing he once suffered an addiction to pornography.

NZ Defence Force is living to regret its suggestion that Jon Stephenson had fabricated an important element of his 2011 story on the SAS in Afghanistan.

Ranginui Walker walked in two worlds. A brave truth-teller, Dr Walker devoted his career to presenting historical events from a Maori perspective.

No precedent exists for the success so far of Donald Trump, who has been neither a state governor nor a member of Congress.

If you are searching for a phrase which encapsulated Martin Crowe, cricketer, that would do nicely.

Immigration is a hot political potato in most developed countries. Some now suggest the solution to Auckland house prices is to stop immigration.

Last night, the 2016 rugby season kicked off, just two days after test cricket's summer ended.

Thousands of young New Zealanders face serious challenges in their lives. Ten per cent of them are obese, and nearly a quarter overweight.

Clearly, those who enjoy what Auckland has to offer in the arts - and 91 per cent of Aucklanders say they attend at least one event a year - are spoiled for choice.

Today, nobody is greatly surprised 10,000 offer to pay personally for a public beach all thanks to the new internet phenomenon of "Crowdfunding."

The Salvation Army's annual stocktake on New Zealand's social health has earned high credibility. It owes this to its recognition of progress as well as problems.

When Ryan Turney's mother, Gerardine, learned her son had been told he could not stay at a Blenheim backpackers she hit the roof.

To demand "savings" from the country's district health boards is good economics but brave politics.

It is too easy to panic politicians in election year, particularly in local body elections where the turnouts are usually low.

Threats to tear up Trans-Pacific Partnership have damaging implications for our trade.

Regardless of how the two-test series against Australia ends, the career of Brendon McCullum will be long cherished by cricket fans.