Alex Braae trades sleep for news to compile The Bulletin, which he'd quite like you to sign up for. Email him at alexbraae@thespinoff.co.nz
Banking in spotlight as Australian saga rumbles on, refugee quota rise confirmed, and more tricky questions over Thompson and Clark.
Stark stats show youth mental health service crisis, US China trade war could hurt NZ, and Netsafe dismisses complaint over negative media coverage.
Deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan extended again, homelessness census takes place, and an interesting way of measuring the building boom.
12 priority points outlined by the government, new airport proposed for Central Otago, and a brilliant feature on the myth of meritocracy through education.
Milk and money spills at Fonterra, Coasters told they'll have to leave after threats from rising seas, and deputy PM Peters addresses coalition rift rumours.
It's being called the most pure MMP government in history. Does that just mean NZ First gets to pull swifties on Labour whenever they feel like it?
1080 activism hits Parliamentary forecourt, concerns about NZ First's influence over the government aired, and a long day looms at Fonterra.
Teachers not impressed by new pay offer, attempt to use the Harmful Digital Communications Act to fight bad press, and swamp house family evicted.
Māori language week starts te reo teaching conversation, Tax Working Group looking likely to reject capital gains tax, and landlords propose alternative to rental WOFs.
PM starts new week after three on the back foot, Herald launches economic inequality series, and huge house building programme announced for Mt Roskill.
This weekend, at hundreds of churches around New Zealand, congregations will offer up a prayer for the media. Why?
Parliament hears dire data on ocean plastics, Provincial Growth Fund to spend millions for 3 jobs, and minister Clare Curran on personal leave.
In a case of terrible timing, one set of The Boys are playing at the same time as the other set of The Boys this weekend.
PM put on the back foot over refugee quota, police reject pay offer, and some juicy local government drama unfolds in Cromwell.
Harness racing rocked by police raids, reporter detained in Nauru, and former Māori Party co-leader deep in debt.
Helen Clark is back, with a new book collecting her speeches from four decades in public life. She discusses her extraordinary career, and where she's headed next.
Spy agencies want ways around encrypted devices, rift opens in government over refugee quota, and Bridges rules out supporting compulsory te reo.
AirBnb rates hike ire sums up Auckland housing, health minister accused of cronyism, and calls to change Hamilton's name.
Government loses another minister within a week, plans to override the Auckland Unitary Plan, and methane in focus for new climate change report.
Regulator flame grills fast food company over minimum wage breaches, swampy rental property exposed, and dodgy door to door sales tactics revealed.
Government makes moves on business confidence, National wants US military whistleblower kept out of NZ, and schools strugging with stand-down rates.
Government signals intent on renting and tenancy laws, gang tensions in Whanganui, and the humanities are under pressure at two universities.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has suggested the government should help the All Blacks retain key players. That's ridiculous, says Alex Braae.
Animal rights concerns hit the agenda, tenancy law changes set to be announced, and PM Ardern gives her first minister the boot.
Something major is going down in Australia today, two stories of troubling inaction on sexual assault, and m. bovis fears at massive feedlot.
Two day justice summit wraps up, Winston Peters gets up to mischief in Australia, and voting in the Howick by-election gets underway.
