Stories by Finlay Macdonald

Former US president Barack Obama's visit to New Zealand will not go down as historic, significant, or even mildly interesting, writes Finlay Macdonald.

There are clear and unavoidable responsibilities that come with being in charge of a group of teenagers. The Labour Party has failed dismally on that front, Finlay Macdonald writes.

Opinion - A good old binge-watch of Danish TV drama Borgen might be just what certain National MPs need to help them adapt to the realities of a new era, writes Finlay Macdonald.

Opinion - MMP doesn't remove the combative element of parliamentary politics, but yesterday's debacle was puerile, writes Finlay Macdonald.

Opinion - Claims that National will make a strong opposition are far from reliable, and Jacinda Ardern's political honeymoon may be just beginning, writes Finlay Macdonald.

Opinion - "Which way will Winston go?" is the question that's bored a nation to tears. Perhaps a better question might be: "which Winston will turn up?", Finlay Macdonald writes.

Opinion - The MMP parliamentary system is designed to create a diverse government for the country, but it rubs against the binary thought processes taught over generations of two-party struggle…

Opinion - After seven weeks of policy debate, the right face at the right time could still be all it takes to change the government, Finlay Macdonald writes.

Opinion - Metiria Turei said the scrutiny of her family was a major decision behind stepping down as co-leader today. What else did she expect, asks Finlay Macdonald.

As principal of Auckland Grammar School, Sir John Graham had an unwavering sense of what was right, a ready smile and a genuine interest in the fortunes of his students, writes Finlay Macdonald.

Opinion - Only a big idea can catapult Labour out of the hole the party has dug for itself, writes Finlay MacDonald

Opinion - There is always something faintly absurd about picking over political party announcements in the early days of an election campaign, writes Finlay Macdonald.

No songs, no socks: New Zealand has discarded the trappings of pride in what has always been a rich man's pastime. Let's keep it that way, writes Finlay MacDonald.

Opinion - John Key remained a popular prime minister by never committing to anything, but leaves behind a backlog of neglect and deferred decisions, writes Finlay Macdonald.