It may be a reflection of an unusually long and warm summer, now past, that the numbers of homeless on Auckland's streets appears to have increased lately.

An international conference at the United Nations headquarters this week is expected to agree that the UN's "war on drugs" is over, and it has failed.

Rugby is an industry in which New Zealand dominates the world, and the remuneration of its international players reflects its success.

Auckland estate agents were jubilant this week at figures showing house prices and sales volumes in the city had taken off again.

Some owners will attest that their pet is as placid as any canine breed can be, but that is not saying very much. Many an owner of a normally docile dog knows it is not completely reliable.

Councils everywhere will welcome the Government's move to take the water fluoridating decision out of their hands and give it to DHB's.

It would be useful to hear the conclusions of someone from outside, not least because the Panama Papers call into question New Zealand's good faith as an international citizen.

A four-point drop in a Colmar Brunton poll taken for TVNZ last week must be a shock to supporters of the Labour Party.

Statistics rule our world in many ways, but their value is surely taken too far when they tell us the rate of successful criminal prosecutions is too high.

The moderation and maturity of Muslims in New Zealand was evident once again in their response to the Egyptian initiative.

The announcement at long last that Helen Clark is a candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the UN is one all NZers can greet with pride.

To make trusts more transparent and accountable ought not compromise the ease and speed of company registrations in this country.

The one firm figure in the unfolding holiday pay fiasco is that six employers, including the NZ Police, owe staff $33 million in unpaid entitlements.

Tenacity, competence and caution have been touchstones of Helen Clark's enduring political career.

Simple rules and advice might help young New Zealanders avoid the fate which awaits too many older Kiwis.

When NZ cricket followers reflect on the competitions wrapping up in India, they ought to conclude it was a job well done.

Four weeks ago, the Herald published a special series on burglaries.

A revised count has concluded nearly twice as many New Zealand soldiers served in the 1915 Ottoman campaign than previously accepted.

Just as the last voters in the flag referendum were putting their papers in the post this week, the Prime Minister announced the next Governor-General.

When the future of the current flag is once more up for discussion, we ought to put everything on the table.

There seems little doubt that the beachhead US economic forces are re-establishing in Cuba will eventually lead to a new era of political freedom.

The company assuredly would not again put buses on the road if its drivers were refusing to take fares, and passengers would know which side was to blame.

EDITORIAL: Witty messages on the back of a vehicle can be amusing, however not those displayed on the campervan company Wicked Campers.

Mr Little, though, is better than this. He has the misfortune to be leading the Opposition to a Government whose leader seemingly can do no wrong.

Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has given the Government a billion reasons to impose a sugar tax on soft drinks.

An informed discussion could lead to a position where the city felt confident to make the call whether it really wants - and actually needs - a stadium.

Education Minister Hekia Parata has talked for years about replacing the decile system of school funding.

With the approach of summer in Europe, leaders of the European Union last week made what seems a good deal for genuine asylum seekers.

Next month hundreds of New Zealanders will face the pre-dawn chill on Gallipoli Peninsula to commemorate Anzac Day.