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Richard Shaw

Richard Shaw

The Conversation

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Who wrote the cabinet paper recommending NZ not recognise a Palestinian state?

Who wrote the cabinet paper recommending NZ not recognise a Palestinian state?

Cabinet papers are usually prepared by ministries with input from impartial public servants. The process over Palestine raises wider questions about...

03.10.2025 10

The Conversation

Richard Shaw

Māori wards: how the Hobson’s Pledge campaign relies on a ‘historical fiction’

As cities and districts prepare for referendums on retaining Māori wards, a contentious claim resurfaces about the meaning and intent of the Treaty...

12.08.2025 10

The Conversation

Richard Shaw

With so many parties ‘ruling out’ working with other parties, is MMP losing its way?

ACT won’t work with Labour, Labour won’t work with NZ First, National won’t work with Te Pāti Māori … What happened to the cross-party...

10.06.2025 7

The Conversation

Richard Shaw

NZ governments enjoy an ‘executive paradise’ – a longer parliamentary term won’t change that

Supporters of a four-year term say it would give governments more time to make better policy. But without deeper changes, it may only increase...

04.03.2025 8

The Conversation

Richard Shaw

David Seymour says Kiwis are too squeamish about privatisation – history shows why they lost the appetite

The ACT Party leader believes government assets should provide a return or be sold. But a majority of New Zealanders are consistently opposed to more...

28.01.2025 10

The Conversation

Richard Shaw

Election anniversary: a year into 3-party coalition government, can the centre hold?

Nearly a year on from its formation, it’s clear a three-party coalition is not quite the same as the two-party versions New Zealand is accustomed...

13.10.2024 3

The Conversation

Richard Shaw