So, this Sunday is Valentine’s Day. Although there were very plausible rumours that I would be spending it with Rocky (my tiny yellow rubber duck) and a Star Wars marathon, rumours which I in fact started, it now turns out my plans have changed.

It is a day that defines a nation. No, not Waitangi day – I have the distinct impressionthat the entire event up north is going to be a huge mess and, worse, for some reason Hone Harawira will get his bottom out to protest against the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TTPA). His mum must be so proud...

It is Rugby Sevens weekend [1] in Wellington and the atmosphere is palpable. That particular atmosphere can be summed up as “Meh.” It was once literally the hottest and hardest to get ticket in town,

I am proud to present the fifth episode of the pneumatically energetic Malthouse blog feature titled “Staff Profiles in Courage.” Yes, I have blatantly stolen the title of President John F Kennedy’s book but, in my defence, he did not write that book either. [1]

Cider has enjoyed a tremendous surge in popularity in New Zealand over the last few years, a growth that I actually predicted in print before it happened.

I'm back - a week earlier than both you and I really expected. But don't call it a comeback, I've been here for years. [1]