David Cohen

How does New Zealand solve a problem like China?

8 September 2024 7:06 pm

New Zealand’s most important trading partner is also the nation’s biggest security headache, according to a new risk-assessment report produced…

Why are so many young people abandoning New Zealand?

24 August 2024 4:00 pm

Heading to the UK is a longstanding rite of cultural passage for many Kiwis. People like my youngest son, who…

Labour should learn from Jacinda Ardern’s calamitous oil and gas ban

17 June 2024 8:54 pm

In the UK, the Labour party has pledged to halt any new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea,…

Why New Zealand is cracking down on immigration

10 April 2024 7:06 pm

The government of New Zealand this week tightened the country’s working visa rules in order to stem historically high numbers…

Why is New Zealand’s deputy PM rowing with Chumbawamba?

22 March 2024 11:28 pm

In their musical heyday, the English anarchist punk band Chumbawamba enjoyed a reputation for having an irreverent attitude towards those…

Kiwi life

20 January 2024 9:00 am

Ah, summer. The sap is rising, and so are anxiety levels on either side of the Tasman as editors cast…

The shoplifting scandal engulfing New Zealand’s Green MP

17 January 2024 12:25 am

New Zealand has just lost one of its most stylish politicians after shoplifting allegations were made against her by two…

New Zealand’s Yoni-come-latelies

9 December 2023 9:00 am

On the unusual and enduring relationship between Maoris and Jews

Is New Zealand about to return to the world stage?

16 October 2023 11:18 pm

After six years of Labour party rule in New Zealand, the country’s foreign policy brings to mind the line about…

Are rock music critics extinct?

29 July 2023 9:00 am

We used to be able to tell you what was worth listening to

Has New Zealand found the key to the UK’s housing crisis?

27 May 2023 6:00 pm

It may be difficult to imagine a housing crisis more dismal than the one Britain is experiencing right now, but…

New Zealand has much to learn from the treatment of Posie Parker

28 March 2023 10:00 pm

A promotional clip for New Zealand uploaded to social media the other day looked like the usual decorous fare churned…

Kiwi life

4 March 2023 9:00 am

To be an award-winning commentator, the late Alexander Cockburn held, you really need to have a bit of a thing…

Rock of ages

4 February 2023 9:00 am

Rock dinosaurs wake up to woke with a religious zeal

New Zealand’s PM is a welcome change from Jacinda Ardern

25 January 2023 5:36 pm

Chris Hipkins can afford to feel pleased with his first days in office as Prime Minister of New Zealand. In…

Jacinda Ardern’s tattered legacy

19 January 2023 9:52 pm

Wellington, New Zealand Jacinda Ardern has announced she will be stepping down as the prime minister of New Zealand, saying…

Do the coloured girls still go ‘Doo, doo-doo’?

5 November 2022 9:00 am

Remembering the moment rock was transformed

Why does this university want to bin Queen Victoria?

20 September 2022 9:00 pm

Spare a thought for New Zealand’s Victoria university. For years now, this Kiwi institution of higher learning has been pulling…

Aussie Life

13 August 2022 9:00 am

‘Give it up for the band!’ cried Van Morrison from the stage at King John’s castle in Limerick the other…

New Zealand's Maori language obsession is baffling Kiwis

9 May 2022 5:14 pm

New Zealand’s borders have finally reopened after a two-year Covid shutdown. But those who travel down under are in for…

Hope I die – but not before I get really, really old

7 May 2022 9:00 am

Rock dinosaurs still not knockin’ on heaven’s door

How New Zealand's zero Covid strategy fell apart

2 April 2022 6:00 pm

The biggest thing in the political rock world returns to the international stage this spring with a one-off appearance at…

Could New Zealand's property bubble bring down Jacinda Ardern?

13 March 2022 5:30 pm

The news this week that the price of an average UK home has hit £260,000 came as a bit of…

Last laugh

26 February 2022 9:00 am

Vale PJ

In Fortress New Zealand, faith in Saint Jacinda is starting to fade

29 January 2022 9:00 am

Faith in ‘Saint Jacinda’ is starting to fade