Schwartz had much to celebrate.

America's top regional naval commander has discussed history-making plans for a US ship visit with Defence Minister Gerry Brownlee.

Hillary Clinton has chosen Sen. Timothy M. Kaine as her vice presidential pick.

Plagiarism is bad form. Campuses throw out undergraduates caught cribbing lines. But that's not the way it works in Donald Trump's world.

COMMENT: Trump, a presidential candidate like no other, gets the rock-star treatment at a convention like nothing the US has ever seen.

COMMENT: Donald Trump: Hello, Cleveland! Now excuse me while I go backstage and try to find some pants.

The most unpredictable and newsy political convention in at least four decades is in the books. Here is a take on the best and the worst from yesterday.

The contest to find the next Secretary General of the United Nations "is a marathon, not a sprint," says Foreign Minister Murray McCully

In both theme and target audience, Trump offered a powerful echo of Richard Nixon almost 50 years ago.

A tiny border wall, complete with US flags, razor wire and "keep out" signs appeared around Donald Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week.

A United States ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended.

Donald Trump prepares to give his nomination address today after attempts to forge party unity went up in the flames of lingering bitterness.

COMMENT: Donald Trump has left himself with a mighty challenge for the final day of the Republican National Convention.

Trump has called into question whether, as president, he would give Nato the assurance that the full force of the US military has their back.

John Key is urging Kiwis not to see the return of of the United States Navy to NZ waters as a victory for our anti-nuclear laws and defeat for the US.

COMMENT: There is no doubt that Isis is barbaric, but so are the military responses of the West that contributed to its creation in the first place.

A US ship visit is something for New Zealand to celebrate, but don't be blowing a trumpet about it or the Americans might be offended, writes Audrey Young.

John Key says he is pleased the US has accepted invitation to send a ship, but that our anti-nuclear law means it could be weeks before visit is confirmed.

Biden said the US and New Zealand had a vested interest in ensuring continued growth, stability and economic prosperity through the region "and I think we are better equipped to do that when we stand side by side to advance our mutual interests".

Celebrity mogul Donald Trump has achieved a landmark moment in American political history, completing his unlikely conquest of the Republican Party.

COMMENT: It's official. Donald Trump - yes, that one, the one from TV - is legit running for President.

As students of comparative civil-military relations, we were surprised to read the Herald's editorial, "Coup's failure hopeful sign for democracy."

The big rallies and marches in Cleveland have been relatively orderly this week save for a simultaneous proliferation of ad hoc protests.

COMMENT: As Britain's new Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson ponders a worldwide tour, NZ can stand proud as the only country he has not offended.

COMMENT: They look so accessible and they're talked about as though they're everyone's next door neighbour.

COMMENT: Donald Trump is adding fuel to Wall Street anxiety about his candidacy, jabbing directly at big banks this week with new language.

Watch NZ Herald Focus: Russia's participation in the Rio Olympics is still uncertain as the IOC explores legal options for banning the country from the Games. Also Lady Gaga and her fiancé, Taylor Kinney, are ending their 5 year relationship

Trump made a splashy debut on the convention stage to introduce his wife, Melania, whose speech was a highlight of an otherwise uneven evening.

Turkish authorities have expanded a crackdown on military officials in a massive purge of opponents following a failed coup.

Here are questions we will know the answers to by the end of the week.