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The protest at Ihumātao is being compared with Bastion Pt. Photo / Peter Meecham

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: A visit to Ihumātao - and a change of heart

5 Aug, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The housing project at Stonefields should not proceed.

How do we get a bright future in this place? Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: How we can make this city shine

29 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Super City is nearly 10 years old. It's time to review it's usefulness.

Super City? Gloomy outlook more like, writes John Roughan. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Auckland - a city well short of super

22 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Is it any wonder it is impossible to get real civic progress with the Super City?

Some campaigners are fighting a battle already won. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Subject that could put Govt at risk

15 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: PM must be regretting endorsing the call to remove abortion from the Crimes Act.

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: We've had the bag pulled over our heads

8 Jul, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The plastic bag ban might be the present Government's most memorable achievement.

MPs Maggie Barry and David Seymour debate the End of Life Choice Bill. Photo montage / Bevan Conley

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Let's not go down this troubled path

1 Jul, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: When a right to die could reduce others' right to live.

David Hisco deserves credit for his housing market stand. Photo / File

BUSINESS

John Roughan: David Hisco's big contribution to NZ

24 Jun, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: If anyone did their bit to stop our runaway house prices, it was David Hisco.

The test of the economic value of cycleways is whether users are prepared to pay for them. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Someone needs to watch this agency's dashboard

17 Jun, 2019 5:18am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: It wouldn't be hard to make the Transport Agency a whole lot more efficient.

People take part in a Big Sleepout to raise awareness of homelessness.File photo / Ben Fraser

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Spare a thought for our rough sleepers

10 Jun, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Where do the homeless go when the chill arrives and rain turns to sleet.

All happy on Budget day. But what if the economy heads south? Photo / Mark Mitchell.

BUSINESS

Roughan: Punt on wellbeing ignores growth at its peril

3 Jun, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Government is taking a punt by putting wellbeing ahead of the familiar GDP.

Speaker Trevor Mallard and reviewer Debbie Francis releasing the external independent review of bullying and harassment at Parliament on Tuesday last week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Secrets of the Beehive: Intoxicating but not for the faint of heart

27 May, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Parliament likely won't adopt all recommendations, but protections are necessary.

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Labour needs to learn lessons about education

20 May, 2019 10:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: There must be a way to boost training on the job rather than via institutions.

The Monetary Policy Committee is headed by Governor Adrian Orr. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

John Roughan: Reserve Bank plays it wrong under new set-up

13 May, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Committees so often make inconsistent, confusing and downright wrong decisions.

Today's drug reformers sometimes go so far as to suggest the supply of marijuana could be a state monopoly. Photo / Getty

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Why the 'health approach' to marijuana won't work

5 May, 2019 7:07pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The "model law" for marijuana goes much further than a proposal for alcohol.

John Roughan at the launch of his biography, John Key Portrait of a Prime Minister, in 2014. Photo / Richard Robinson.

BUSINESS

From Muldoon to Key: Journalist John Roughan reflects on 45 years in the middle of it all

4 May, 2019 8:11am
15 minutes to read

John Roughan had 38 years at the Herald before retiring this month. Here, he looks back...

For years, huge crowds have been packing out the dawn service on the Gallipoli peninsula. Photo / Alan Gibson

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: A great lesson in humanity at Gallipoli

29 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: This should have occurred to me many years ago and I'm surprised it didn't.

Jacinda Ardern's backdown on a policy she believes in will not help Labour at the election. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Political capital needs to be spent

22 Apr, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Ardern's weakness ruins a rare opportunity.

SPORT

John Roughan: Level playing field may limit our stars

15 Apr, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Education should not put the interests of schools above those of individuals.

After 30 years it's been a privilege to serve a great paper and its discerning readers. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

Editorial: Interests of NZ always front of mind

13 Apr, 2019 5:00am
3 minutes to read

EDITORIAL: It has been a privilege to express the views of the New Zealand Herald.

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: NZ saddled with outdated attitudes

7 Apr, 2019 5:32pm
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Crusaders and Anzac Day service need modernising.

The Shoe Project took about 600 pairs of shoes, each representing a Kiwi lost to suicide, around the country before laying them out at Parliament to demonstrate the need for change. Photo / SNPA

NEW ZEALAND

Where's the action on our suicide crisis?

1 Apr, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Mental health inquiry was little help for tackling youth suicide.

Grieving with the Muslim community this week has helped dispel cultural misconceptions. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Dignity in sharing a slice of NZ's cake

25 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: It must be insecurities that make some Pākehā blind to strength of their culture.

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: We will never forget...

18 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Hopefully, Muslims will never have another reason to regret living here.

I love the dash they've added to everyday life in the city. Photo / Greg Bowker

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Twist of Lime adds to the effervescence

11 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Lime scooters are a glimpse of the future and should be welcomed back.

We've voted for good government ever since, so here's to us all. Photo / 123RF

BUSINESS

John Roughan: Happy float day! Let's party like it's 1985

4 Mar, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A floating currency is the secret of real national sovereignty.

Adrian Orr gave a primer on the Reserve Bank's role in the economy by way of a stretched analogy with a tree, the mighty kauri Tāne Mahuta. Photo / Mark Mitchell

BUSINESS

Hoping Orr can see wood for the trees

25 Feb, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Adrian Orr needs to keep his focus on the Reserve Bank's primary role.

BUSINESS

John Roughan: All taxpayers might be in for good news this week

18 Feb, 2019 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Cullen's capital gains tax just might reduce the top rate of income tax.

John Key made a habit of attending the Big Gay Out which was bold for a conservative leader anywhere in the world a decade ago. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

Freeing sexuality from politics last hurdle

11 Feb, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Key did much to advance conversation but subject remains final frontier.

Seemingly half of Christchurch decamps to Kaiteriteri every summer. Photo / Getty Images

BUSINESS

Government should not mess with success

28 Jan, 2019 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Economic success, like great tennis, needs to be appreciated.

President Donald Trump kisses first lady Melania Trump during a hangar rally at Al Asad Air Base, Iraq. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Trump has little impact on 2018's big trend

29 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Despite Trump, women are changing the world.

The public needs to hear more substantial, memorable comments from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, writes John Roughan. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Ardern the invisible PM for much of 2018

22 Dec, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Jacinda Ardern is proving to be an unusually inhibited Prime Minister.

A large crowd gathers at the candlelit vigil held on Federal St, Auckland City, in remembrance of murdered British traveller Grace Millane. Photo / Peter Meecham

NEW ZEALAND

Labour violins play but ovation must wait

15 Dec, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Labour governments have one habit that is intensely annoying.

We all guilty of using Santa for adult gratification. Photo / Michael Craig

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Why Christmas isn't just for the kids

8 Dec, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Santa brings out the child in all of us.

Planners should close the street and see what happens. Don't design too much, just wait and watch what people do. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: 'Wait and watch' the key to good planning

1 Dec, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The first law of city planning ought to be: Watch what people do.

Last week we were told re-entry will cost $36m. This is madness. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Pike River re-entry now ridiculously expensive

24 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A $7.2 million Pike River re-entry plan has somehow become $36 million.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters speak to media at the ASEAN summit in Singapore. Photo / Audrey Young

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Access to Australia could suffer if we take in boat people

17 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

We need to wake up to our privileged access to Australia lest we lose it.

The names on the Auckland War Memorial Museum lawn did not die for nothing. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Armistice ends a centenary of reading

10 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Let's be honest, we live in awe of the Great War.

Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway ought to have asked his officials to check the claims more closely. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

Judging the Government's judgement calls

3 Nov, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: How rigorously would a Labour minister check asylum seekers situations.

Artist's impression of the proposed Auckland Waterfront Stadium. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Waterfront stadium like wine and beer mix

27 Oct, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: A sunken stadium is not the feature the waterfront demands.

National Party candidate Jamie-Lee Ross, watched by his wife Lucy Schwaner, speaks. Photo / File

NEW ZEALAND

If this is corruption NZ-style, we're lucky

20 Oct, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The entrapment of Simon Bridges revealed not much to worry about.

I'm not going to listen ever again to Aucklanders claiming they use the car only because the city's public transport is so bad. Photo / Jason Oxenham

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Auckland's bus service is not at all bad

13 Oct, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Auckland's bus service is now surprisingly good.

WORLD

John Roughan: Creeps don't change - Kavanaugh still the frat boy

6 Oct, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Watching Kavanaugh, it was easy to see the boy in that frat house.

Serena Williams remonstrates with referee Brian Earley before receiving her unhappy ending courtesy of Naomi Osaka. Photo / AP

SPORT

Roughan: US Open crowd was blinded by Serena hype

15 Sep, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Serena Williams and the American crowd wanted reality to follow their script.

Whether there is trouble tonight or not, the mere possibility has not stopped the Chelsea Manning event going ahead. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Nothing to fear but fear of free speech itself

8 Sep, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Chelsea Manning shows free speech is still in good shape in New Zealand.

Until the Government says no to some needless expenses, business confidence could be elusive. Photo / Dean Purcell

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: This Government needs to say no sometimes

1 Sep, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Business confidence might rise if this Government said no sometimes.

Malcolm Turnbull. Through all the leadership changes of the past decade, Australians have not materially suffered. Photo / AP

WORLD

John Roughan: Swallow the leader Oz's new national sport

25 Aug, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Australia's political turbulence may be a result of economic stability.

Thousands of striking primary school teachers, make their way up Queen St, Auckland CBD. Photo / Brett Phibbs

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Teachers' pay reflects the way they bargain

18 Aug, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Teachers' pay reflects they way they prefer to negotiate it.

This country should never be short of builders and other trades well suited to Kiwi can-do. Photo / Michael Craig

BUSINESS

John Roughan: Whole nation on hunt for builderpeople

11 Aug, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Business confidence may be down but the economy is still going strong.

Two big concerns should be on Jacinda Ardern's mind as she returns to fulltime PM duties. Supplied photo

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Two big concerns for returning PM

4 Aug, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Two big concerns stick out for returning PM Jacinda Ardern, John Roughan writes.

It is coming up a year since Andrew Little stepped aside as Labour leader, a decision which led to Jacinda Ardern's promotion. Photo / Mark Mitchell

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: A year on from Little's game-changing call

28 Jul, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: A year ago then Labour leader Andrew Little made his game-changing decision.

Lauren Southern hates Islamic attitudes to women and for that reason she hates Islamic immigration.

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Hate speech does not mean a hated view

21 Jul, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: Hate speech should not be too widely defined.

Lauren Southern is essentially a journalist who asks unwelcome questions. Photo / Supplied

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Our town halls are now censored by Goff

14 Jul, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Since when were Auckland town halls closed to "divisive" events?

France's Antoine Griezmann, left, and Argentina's Javier Mascherano challenge for the ball during the round of 16 match between France and Argentina in Kazan, Russia. Photo / AP

SPORT

John Roughan: It's enthralling to see nations at play

7 Jul, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Football's World Cup shows distinctive nations at play.

It is going to get worse in the next week or two if hospital strikes go ahead and schools are hit too. Photo / 123RF

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Nurses not helping Labour's 'fair pay' plan

30 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Public sector strikes will not be helping business confidence.

Jaciunda Ardern and Clarke Gayford with their new baby girl. Photo / Instagram

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Labour needs to treat baby carefully

23 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: The public would not respond well to crass exploitation of our royal baby.

David Seymour in Dancing with the Stars. Photo / Three

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: We're seeing a voters' revolt on TV

16 Jun, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: "Dancing with the Stars" voters are venting and showing their rebellious side.

Sir peter Glickman's report was refreshing to read. Photo / Getty Images

NEW ZEALAND

Roughan: Take a long look in the mirror

9 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Blame health and environmental zealots for the over-reaction of meth smoke.

President Donald Trump meets Kim Kardashian in the Oval Office at the White House to discuss prison reform. Photo / White House

WORLD

Kim's strategy harpoons a mighty big fish

2 Jun, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Is North Korea's new tone a vindication of all Trump's tough talk on Twitter?

Palestinian protesters burn tires during a protest at the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. Photo / AP

WORLD

John Roughan: Israel's anniversary turned predictably sour

19 May, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Israel marked is 70th anniversary with provocation and bloodshed.

Our national superannuation fund wants to invest in an Auckland tram line. Image / Auckland Transport

NEW ZEALAND

Rail deal may go off track for Super Fund

12 May, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: The Super Fund needs to face a financial risk on light rail.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, left, is welcomed by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace in Paris. Photo / AP

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: This generation needs more than a nuclear moment

21 Apr, 2018 5:00am
5 minutes to read

COMMENT: If we are going to lead the world against climate change, let's hope it follows.

This Government is making the most of the bill for Middlemore. Photo / Doug Sherring

NEW ZEALAND

John Roughan: Don't buy Govt's Middlemore myth

14 Apr, 2018 5:00am
4 minutes to read

COMMENT: Middlemore gives the Govt a good excuse of a tight budget but don't buy its myth.