The message seems clear, writes Tapu Misa. "Being poor isn't that bad. We feel your pain. We've struggled, too, and look how well we've done."

Teenagers, upon turning 18, do not suddenly gain more political knowledge or understanding, writes Philip Greatrex. So why not lower the voting age?

This month is the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, so we're going to hear a great deal about the weeks when the world almost died, writes Gwynne Dyer.

US President Barack Obama is taking on Republican challenger Mitt Romney in their second debate today starting at 2pm NZ time. Watch it live and read commentary here.

Australia is always being held up as an example for New Zealand to follow. But who could admire the toxic way they do politics in Australia, writes Sue Kedgley.

Romney's Republican-rousing first-up performance has put real pressure on Obama to come out swinging.

As Bali commemorates 10 years since twin bombings killed 202 people, relatives of the dead cling to memories of their loved ones - and vow that terrorism will never win.

Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard has accused Opposition Leader Tony Abbott of being sexist and a misogynist.

A New Zealander is arrested overseas or detained at an airport every week, a third of them by the strict authorities in the United States.

Veteran Aussie broadcaster Alan Jones says "21st Century cyber bullying'' is the reason all commercials have been pulled from his radio breakfast show.

The wife of Australia's Opposition Leader Tony Abbott has spoken out against critics of her husband - saying he has no problem dealing with women.

US President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney have faced off in their first debate. Follow the commentary here.