Michael Appleton

Michael Appleton is a Unit Manager in MFAT’s Pacific Regional Division. The views expressed here are his own and do not represent official New Zealand government policy.

Sports
Jun 16, 2021

Five burning questions in the NZ v India battle for cricket's biggest prize

Following a staggering seven-year turnaround in form, the Black Caps have arrived in Southampton to take on India for the World Test Championship final.

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Sports
May 29, 2021
India Captain Virat Kohli and New Zealand Captain Kane Williamson shaking hands and smiling

New Zealand v India: Who will be test cricket’s champion of the world?

The Black Caps play India in the final of the World Test Championship. Who will win? Michael Appleton breaks down the stats.

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Sports
Apr 8, 2021

Greatness within grasp: The 12 months that will define the Black Caps

Five key challenges await, ranging from formidable to almost certainly insurmountable.

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Sports
Feb 13, 2021
Politics
Nov 5, 2018

Why the drought in New Zealand opinion polling matters

New Zealand has a severe lack of political polls and, without polling, political coverage relies on the opinions of a few Wellington-based journalists. Michael Appleton explains why that's a bad thing.

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Sports
Oct 31, 2018

The Black Caps begin their march to World Cup triumph, definitely, maybe

Assessing the chances of cricketing glory as the side begins its season in the United Arab Emirates.

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Politics
Oct 28, 2018

An eye, an ear, a voice: 75 years of New Zealand in the world

As NZ marks a major anniversary for what is now called the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Michael Appleton explains what it is that he and his fellow diplomats actually do

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