Jane Diplock, CEO of the Securities Commission, writes that the lack of trust in securities in stifling the flow of capital.

Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye's stance against her party's proposed mining on Great Barrier Island is not just political it's heartfelt.

John Armstrong writes that the backbone displayed by Brownlee and Bennett will please the National traditionalists, but we'll have to watch it bend again in election year.

Fran O'Sullivan writes that till now, Key has operated a rather laissez-faire approach to Cabinet management.

John Roughan writes that the Coromandel peninsula's beauty is not exceptional and doesn't warrant particular protection.

Rotting buildings are NZ's worst catastrophe, but the Govt is cashing in, says a study commissioned by the North Shore City Council.

Jim Hopkins writes that our memories go into cliche mode when politicians mention the digging of large holes.

Susan St John, associate professor in the economics department of the University of Auckland Business School and spokeswoman for the Child Poverty Action Group, questions the results claimed for new rules on benefits.

Messages are starting to arrive on my desk from disgruntled entrants in the Super City logo contest.

Energy Minister Gerry Brownlee accused the Labour Party of hypocrisy yesterday when he revealed the previous government approved 218 permits for mining on conservation land.

The Government confirms its restructuring of a number of agencies over the next three years will see 55 jobs lost.