Well in the end the world can crank itself up to sanctions, as it has with Zimbabwe, another sad case.

Business can talk itself into a blue funk.

In the end, there will always be a fundamental difference of perspective between New Zealand and Australia on defense, whoever is in government.

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries on earth. Security issue or no security issue, there would need to be a focus on it.

I have no beliefs of a religious kind.

I think it's inevitable that New Zealand will become a republic and that would reflect the reality that New Zealand is a totally sovereign-independent 21st century nation 12,000 miles from the United Kingdom.

Fortunately New Zealand doesn't have land borders so we are able to be somewhat more rigorous on who gets in and out of our country than perhaps some people.