The Cabinet's response yesterday to the Syrian refugee crisis is no more than a token gesture.

The Queen does not want a fuss made of the fact that on Wednesday she becomes Britain's longest reigning monarch.

This Prime Minister is completing the first year of his third term more popular than any at the same stage in our lifetime.

No country can stand aside if it wants to be recognised as a fully participating member of the international community, and that includes New Zealand.

When it is considered how much rest home workers have to do for aged people in care, few would begrudge them a substantial improvement on the pay they receive.

The landscape is littered with airlines that failed to make a go of servicing this country's regions.

Michael Woodhouse is right. The rules governing shop trading on Easter Sunday are complex and relatively arbitrary.

The practice of New Zealanders in their 20s throwing caution to the wind and heading off to London on working holidays is no longer such a cultural phenomenon.

New Zealand was a latecomer in establishing a register for sex offenders. Now, however, Social Development Minister Anne Tolley seems intent on making up for lost time.

New Zealand is a small boat in a storm, but a fairly sturdy one. We have ridden out the past few tempests in the world economy without being swamped and that offers confidence we can survive this one.

Worm farming is a dangerous industry, according to the Government's health and safety reform bill.

If Australia's initiative works well enough, this country should be quick to follow suit.

Rapid increase in visitors who are spending more suggests country offering good value for money.

Some might cheer Ashley Madison breach, but it shows even ordinary people can be hit and hurt by the cyber-zealots.

Screening for any cancer is a big decision and the case needs to be compelling. Only when it is should a national programme proceed.

Foreign Minister Murray McCully ought to stand aside while the Auditor-General conducts her inquiry into the Saudi sheep deal.

No serious road accident involving a visitor to this country represents good publicity for the tourism industry.

No one expects 'The Donald' to be President, but his rivals might be better to go for him now before he spoils his party's chances.

A convincing display is needed to quell concerns the ageing team could be following the same path as the 1991 World Cup team.

Last year's Mood of the Boardroom survey showed businesses and consumers cock-a-hoop about this country's economic prospects. The mood yesterday was less confident.

The 40 designs selected this week from more than 10,000 proposals have given some focus to the question of whether we should change our national flag.

Even in department stores throughout Europe, it is hard to escape Auckland. That is because of the widespread presence of a Dutch clothing range called NZA New Zealand Auckland.

The Government is right to press ahead with plans to extend the use of electronic monitoring of offenders. But they are far from infallible.

Three years ago, when there was a dramatic fall in the world ranking of America's college graduates, early childhood education was accorded special attention.

Wills and Harry have made the royal family relevant again, but empty honours for their father can only aid the republican cause.

Bravery and resolve of New Zealand's troops' supreme feat of achievement deserves August 8 commemoration.

People need to be left in no doubt about their responsibility to properly train and socialise their dogs.

If there is one event that defines the modern world, it is the blinding, searing, radioactive explosion over the city of Hiroshima 70 years ago today.

The last thing a police officer probably wants to do is tell a woman her new man has a record of violence in relationships.