John Key's speech today outlining the National Government’s legislative and policy programme was unusually non-contentious, but offer hints of his real agenda.

After writing off the series as pedestrian and dull, Paul Casserly has realised homegrown murder series The Brokenwood Mysteries is a charming delight.

The sale of van Eyk Advice NZ should be concluded within days, according to the first report to creditors from the administrator of its Australian parent.

Keith Locke writes: New Zealanders are right to be concerned about the rise of the Islamic State (Isis), but our best contribution would be to provide more humanitarian support.

It was not so much the strange case of the man of the cloth as the odd cut of the man's cloth.

Bob Jones writes: Currently Labour's best chance of victory in 2017 lies in National's total demise through their MPs all dying of laughter at Labour's leadership woes.

All Whites defender Tommy Smith has done the right thing, but now Kiwi football fans need him to say the right things.

Far be it for a Kiwi to stick their beak into what is going on across the Tasman, but for heaven's sake, can Australian Rugby just get their act together already?

If an investment approach is suitable for other beneficiaries, education and healthcare it should also be applied to government superannuation, writes Peter Lyons.

Warnings about his fitness have piggybacked Steven Luatua's second year with the All Blacks, writes Wynne Gray.

Slugs posing as mice, sweet doggie love and sayings better not to live by.

Expedia and Egencia have just released their 2014 Global Mobile Index report, a study of how travellers use and relate to mobile devices.

Grant Robertson and Jacinda Ardern - now termed 'Gracinda' on social media - could well be the Labour Party's best bet, writes Bryce Edwards.

We need to ask the questions: Should children be eating the same as adults? And, if so, should we take kids' food off the shelves?

Does anyone not know someone who struggles with money and then turns around and pulls out the latest iPhone 6?

The Police Association president proclaimed that "it is time to overcome our squeamishness and arm police". But unease about such a step exists for very good reason.

Wynne Gray writes: Game on for the All Black coaches after the latest scare as the gap between the All Blacks and everyone trying to knock them off closes.

It rained all the way on the drive from Auckland to Hokianga; drenching and relentless. I only cried a little bit.

It's a dilemma Auckland financial adviser Hannah McQueen comes across all the time.

Justin Marshall writes: Steve Hansen has faith by the truckload and never was it more evident than at Suncorp Stadium when he made a series of extraordinary substitutions.

The October curse once again struck Wall Street. Since the S&P 500 peaked at a record high on September 18, it has tumbled 6 per cent.

Spotted at Mitre 10 Mega, Henderson, some buckets that just can't wait.

Last week Southern Cross chief executive Craig Morrison told Kiwi travellers "Don't get out of control on booze, and go to bed before midnight".

When the PM left Judith Collins off a list of departing ministers who can wear the title Honourable for life, he may have made trouble for himself this term.

There's an elephant in the room - and it's not just standing there, it's defecating on the couch. It's the All Blacks or, rather, the terribly unsettling fact that they are playing so bleeding well.