A gold-standard free trade agreement, so long the Government's goal for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, is not going to eventuate.

Figures showing bank loans to investors outnumbering first-home buyers by three to one are hard evidence of what has undoubtedly been happening for a long time.

Fights in a prison are probably not unusual, and often worse that the "fight club" video from Mt Eden that has had a political chain-reaction.

Providing migrants with an added incentive to settle in regional New Zealand, rather than Auckland, involves a degree of intervention that would not normally be contemplated by a National Government.

Te reo Maori it is primarily an oral language and has survived long enough now to suggest it will not be lost. But imagine how much better it would be if it was celebrated.

The All Blacks are scheduled to play most of their matches at the Rugby World Cup in England, including the final hopefully, during the hours the bars would be closed.

A cluster of Chinese restaurants does not make a "Chinatown", much as some people might wish it to be so.

Editorial: The resource is not being used as it should be, and stricter policing of the current trade will not, in itself, change that markedly.

Iran and the US have been thrown together in the fight against the Islamic State. Originally reluctant allies, they are now better placed to work in tandem.

If the wording of legislation lives up the Government's promise at the weekend, this country may soon be rid of "zero-hour contracts".

For many people, the leaked property sale figures reported in the Weekend Herald will have contained just one element of surprise.

Claims that Hanover's directors and promoters misled investors in prospectuses and advertising between December 2007 and July 2008 will not now be tested in court.

The enthusiasm with which the All Blacks have been greeted in Apia should get New Zealand Rugby thinking.

Now that it is our turn to chair the United Nations Security Council Murray McCully says we will attempt to revive peace talks between Israel and Palestine. Not an easy task.

Your generosity is warmly appreciated, and warmly is the operative word. Thousands of children are going to bed warmer this winter thanks to your response to our "Jammies in June" appeal.

Traditions are important, but the move to boost interest after dwindling crowds is a natural change in the game.

In over-reacting to a classroom speech, the school surrendered the high ground and provided ammunition for those eager to support the 15-year-old's claims.

If there were any local organisations lining up for large-scale social housing we would not now be hearing about the likes of Horizon Housing from Queensland.

Justice Minister Amy Adams declared she wanted the crime of corporate manslaughter to be added to the workplace health and safety reform legislation currently before Parliament.

Poaching of the native wood pigeon is widespread, notably in Northland.

Colin Craig was, or is, one of those lone wealthy figures found in many democracies who aspire to public office on their own terms but with no particular mission to accomplish.

The regrettable demise of bookshops opens way for new retail opportunities.