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.

The men campaigning to be America's next vice-president clashed over the Obama administration's policy in Libya and Iran in a debate today.

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.

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.

Alan Jones, the Australian radio host, has learned the perils of being loose-lipped at an ostensibly private function, after a secret recording of his jibe at the PM.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully says the UN must do more to help small Pacific nations, and he's warned it risks losing its credibility over its inaction on Syria.

Former NZ diplomat Warren Searell called Damascus home until the Arab spring made life far too dangerous. This is his story.

The British Foreign Secretary hopes New Zealand and Australia will join an initiative to share diplomatic missions with Britain and Canada in remote countries.

Tapu Misa says John Banks lied to reporters. "He misrepresented the truth and misled the public on more than one occasion. All while a minister of the Key Government."