Simon Chapman says Big Tobacco is losing ground on plain packs but is homing in on less fortunate countries.

The challenge for those in this discussion is to acknowledge and respect the values of others and to be courageous and generous in love, writes Russell Hoban.

Religion has always sought to manipulate and dictate the manner in which individuals live their lives, writes Sam Clements. The Marriage Equality Bill threatens many in the church.

There is a lot of hype surrounding the push for gay marriage in NZ, writes Douglas Pratt. Expectations of a momentous change are high.

The gambling-charity boss overseeing pokies in pubs and bars has launched a blistering attack on the problem-gambling industry.

Charities have started providing bandages and dressings for children with skin infections in poor parts of Northland and South Auckland because government funding is not enough to meet the need.

Editorial: After a number of incidents that shook public confidence, the rebuilding of the reputation of the police has not always proceeded with total smoothness.

On Monday the Financial Services Council released a report called "Exploring Underinsurance within New Zealand".

New figures show a sharp rise in gambling problems linked to Lotto, and health officials blame big jackpots.

After the personal tragedies that marked Vui Mark Gosche's 12 years in politics, he was due for some good news - and there have been some surprising reasons to celebrate.

The return of a Pride Parade to Auckland has been declared a fabulous success.

Having multiple sexual partners is a significant predictor of women turning to drink and drugs in later life, a new study suggests.

NZ First MP Richard Prosser's bid to make a personal statement in Parliament this afternoon about his inflammatory comments about Muslims has been blocked.

Richard Prosser's "stupid" comments that young Muslim men from "Wogistan" should be banned from air travel have created headlines overseas.

Auckland's critical housing shortage worsened again last year - but the gap between population growth and house-building may be closing at last.

New Zealand First MP Richard Prosser has spoken out in defence of his "Wogistan" rant which has been slammed as racist by Muslim leaders and politicians.

I have a real fear that the rivers of grog that wreaked such havoc among indigenous communities are starting to flow once again.

The number of students being stood down for bad behaviour is at its lowest point for more than a decade.

An East Coast man on the dole for 25 years is the longest unemployment beneficiary in the country and has been paid more than $260,000 in taxpayer money.

After two days of frantic debate on cats in New Zealand it is worth paw-sing for a moment of reflection, writes Gareth Morgan.

We need to broaden the criteria against which we measure the progress of Government, writes Mai Chen, to include those non-material things, like happiness and equity.

Far be it for me to definitively diagnose Zac Guildford from afar, writes Chris Rattue, but a string of alcohol-related incidents indicate the young All Black has a serious problem with the firewater.

I am writing this lying in bed and staring out at the Hokianga Harbour in the Far North.