Independent Analysis and Reportage
What happens to democracy when the independent people capable of resisting abuses of power are replaced by systems designed to make those abuses easier?
Weaving is one of humanity’s oldest crafts, but its patterns helped inspire early computing. Today, textile makers are using conductive yarns and digital looms to invent new kinds of technology.
Caregivers often seek a specific age that their child can be left home alone. However, the neuroscience of brain development suggests that readiness depends on much more than a birthday.
The Mecca agreeement is best understood as a form of strategic insurance for three governments seeking greater protection and political influence beyond traditional American guarantees.
ANALYSIS: By Laurens Ikinia in Jakarta As Indonesia marks the 81st anniversary of its independence on Monday — August 17 — the republic has much to celebrate. Over eight decades, Indonesia has transformed itself from a newly independent archipelago into one of the world’s largest democracies and economies, holding together an extraordinarily diverse nation across
Keith Rankin writes; Universal Basic Income... Opportunity presents its particular policy for a universal basic income (UBI, or 'Citizens Income' as they call it) as an aspiration; as a basis for public discussion and not as a scheme to be imposed on those people who push-back from engagement with the concept.
Keith Rankin writes; this from Stuff reporter Molly Swift on Three News yesterday (12 August 2026): "History shows that replacing a sitting prime minister in an election year doesn't end well. The only time it has worked was in 1943 after Michael Joseph Savage died in office, and Peter Fraser took over." - Michael Joseph Savage actually died in March 1940, not 1943.
Isolated interventions are unlikely to help small sugarcane growers. Improving productivity requires integrated support systems.
Armed groups in the Sahel are finding new ways to profit from the rapidly expanding lithium trade.
AI is a powerful tool for financial fact-finding and brainstorming. But for now it can’t replace the human element.
RNZ News New Zealand’s spy agency says it is increasingly coming across espionage activity in the Pacific — and has identified individuals connected to an unnamed foreign intelligence service. The NZSIS reports that individually, Pacific states remain vulnerable to attempts at subversion, both in politically, and in the community. Security expert Al Gillespie told RNZ’s
COMMENTARY: By Tracy-Moana Campbell A country currently indicted for genocide has no business training our teachers in Aotearoa New Zealand on the topic of genocide. The notion is ludicrous. Under this National policy Kiwi teachers are going to be trained about genocide by Israelis. It is intended that some Kiwi teachers will be sent to