Opinion | A Salad Bar of Narratives: Deconstructing the Recent India-Pakistan Conflict, One Ideology at a Time
Written by Shreya Bakhshi April 22, 2025, began like any other spring day in Kashmir – pleasant, breezy, serene – until four men targeted and killed 26 Indian tourists in Baisaran Valley, Pahalgam. This attack was not the first, and as history suggests, will likely not be the last in the Indian-administered Kashmir valley. What […]
Explainer | U.S. Foreign Policy in the Pacific: The Strategic Importance of New Zealand
Written by Dulmi de Silva Introduction The Pacific Islands have re-emerged as a key focus of twenty-first-century geopolitics. As China expands its influence across the region through aid, infrastructure, and security cooperation, the United States has renewed its engagement to counterbalance China’s presence. Central to this effort is the Pacific Partnership Strategy, which outlines a […]
Explainer | Understanding Protectionism: Global Policy, Volatile Effect
Written by Paige Stephens The volatile global economy has seen a re-emergence of complex and unpredictable trade policies. As impulsive and powerful governments such as the Trump administration attempt to strengthen domestic industries, the media frequently discusses protectionism. Despite its relevance in the global economy, many are not fully aware of the issue. So, what is […]
Explainer | Less Paperwork, More Protection? A Breakdown of the New Health and Safety at Work Act Reforms
Written by Asil Kutty The New Zealand Government is making significant changes to its workplace health and safety laws, focusing on benefiting smaller businesses. These reforms are expected to reduce ‘excessive’ regulations, shift the focus to preventing significant workplace risks, and ease administrative burdens for small businesses. This shift aims to create a more optimistic […]
Explainer | What Is Universal Basic Income?
Written by Jackson Irby Imagine a world where you and everyone you know receive a guaranteed monthly payment from the government, no strings attached. As automation and artificial intelligence reshape the workforce, Universal Basic Income (UBI) is gaining attention as a legitimate policy option. Once considered a fringe utopian concept, it is now being explored […]
People Profile | Sir Geoffrey Palmer KCMG AC KC PC
Written by Nicholas (or Nick) Holden Prime Minister, King’s Counsel, Professor. These are all titles that Sir Geoffrey Palmer has held over his career. Yet, even these titles do not fully capture the enormity of his impact, achievement and influence over his public life. Born on the 21st of April 1942, Geoffrey Palmer attended Nelson […]
Opinion | The NZLAV Upgrade Program: A Step in the Right Direction
By David Neal. As part of our ongoing series on the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, this article examines the proposed upgrades to the New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicle (NZLAV) fleet. According to the plan, these upgrades are necessary in order to “ensure NZDF personnel can continue to safely and effectively manoeuvre and fight on the […]
Opinion | The Anzac Frigate Life Extension Program
By David Neal, Content Writer. After months of delay, the New Zealand Defence Capability Plan 2025 was released on the 7th of April, to a fairly muted response. Media coverage focused on different aspects of the plan, with 1News highlighting the large naval and air components, as well as covering the levels of public support […]
Opinion | Reading Between the Lines of the Treaty Principles Bill
Following the recent rejection of the bill, I unpack the hidden motives, unsaid terms, the overlooked consequences behind its promotion of ‘equality’ over equity, its flawed approach to Māori rights, and the dangerous literalist interpretation of tino rangatiratanga. By Rochelle O’ConnorGuest Writer After seeing the outpour of disgust against the Treaty Principles Bill and feeling […]
Opinion | Wicked Curveballs: The Reintroduction of the Three Strikes Law in Aotearoa New Zealand
By Stevie Hoesel In baseball, a curveball refers to a pitch that appears to be heading in a straight line toward a point but deviates from its path just before the batter takes a shot at it. It is a strategic move in the game, where, after three strikes, you are out — similarly, political […]