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Election campaigns are strange times. There can be a lot of talk about policy, but the real policy apparatus of government goes into limbo. Read more

Back in March, the World Happiness Index 2020 placed New Zealand eighth with a score of 7.3, tucked between Austria and Sweden. Every country ranking higher was Nordic (aside from Switzerland) and I notice they also have plenty of Ikea stores. Read more

Last week’s UNICEF report on child wellbeing gets one big thing very right. Important parts of government policy are failing children. Read more

When you think of Sweden, does Abba come to mind? What about meatballs or furniture stores? Read more

Some countries have clear advantages during a pandemic. For instance, New Zealand is surrounded by a thousand-kilometre moat. Read more

Cartography geeks might remember the isochronic maps of the late 19th and early 20th century. Covid’s time-warp is making them relevant again, and possibly for rather longer than we might hope. Read more

The Covid-19 crisis can be summed up in one word: uncertainty. Practically everything about this crisis is uncertain: whether there will be a vaccine; whether the virus will mutate and how; the true fatality rate; and the long-term health damage in survivors. Read more

Hey there, humans! It’s no wonder you’re dog's best friend. Read more

Walking around central Wellington, more shops are boarded up. On Lambton Quay, two bank branches recently disappeared. Read more