COMMENT: They are the ninjas of losing, the candidates who must lose to win. writes Claire Trevett.

Michael Flynn's resignation almost certainly will not be the last scene in the spectacular opening act of President Donald Trump's administration.

The annual trans-Tasman Prime Ministers' meeting, hosted by NZ in Queenstown this weekend, will be different from the last one.

Trump has not responded to North Korea's first provocation in the way many probably feared.

An inquiry into the abuse of children and others in state care to ensure the mistakes of the past are not being repeated would surely do no harm.

EDITORIAL: Prostitution was made legal in NZ 14 years ago, with hopes it would remove the stigma, this has not been the case.

Controversial work will promote curiosity and debate in the best tradition of public art.

EDITORIAL: Lisa Carrington has been recognised as one of our truly great sporting figures with the Halberg Award for 2016.

Graeme Wheeler is only the third in the role in nearly three decades and the first not to seek reappointment for a second five-year term.

Ngati Whatua of Orakei did Auckland proud yesterday. Their invitation to the Prime Minister was well-timed.

New Zealand marks its 177th birthday with a thriving economy and has no need of despondency for the future of world trade. It just has more work to do.

The naming of election day always intensifies the focus on politics.

Bill English says he "looks forward" to his first phone call from Trump. He is probably being unduly diplomatic after Malcolm Turnbull got Trump treatment.

COMMENT: It is hard to believe that New Zealanders chose not to pick up as much as $300 million on offer from the Government.

The Commission for Financial Capability wants changes to New Zealand's retirement policies and is urging an overhaul of the 'holiday' arrangement.

COMMENT: This year is an election year, which will determine whether there is real momentum in focusing on the crucial myriad of issues for Maori, writes Jon Stokes.

Citizens of the seven countries targeted by Donald Trump in the name of preventing terrorism have not been known to previous cause terrorism in the US.

COMMENT: The announcement that DB Breweries has purchased Tuatara shines a spotlight on a surprisingly positive shift in the way Kiwis are consuming beer.

The mood is often quickly soured by challenges from Waitangi so it is good that the Ratana Church's annual celebrations of its founder's birth in the rural settlement of Ratana Pa has come to be an occasion for all parties.

Editorial: It is hardly surprising when the warmest season threatens to end before it has barely started

What has possessed Auckland Transport to contemplate putting their intercity bus terminal at Manukau?

Small trading nations have to look beyond Washington now for leaders who want the world to prosper.

Britain's PM Theresa May gave an important speech last week, just three days before the inauguration of Donald Trump.

Mark Gilbert, the departing United States Ambassador, is keen to reassure New Zealanders that Washington does not spy on Wellington.

Every new US President has the right to start with the good will of opponents and critics.

The world waits to hear what Donald Trump will say when he is sworn in early tomorrow, New Zealand time.

Since science was ignited as the fuel of economic growth the flame has gone out, says Jeff Tallon.

David McGee, a former Clerk of the House, made an appeal for new rules to keep MPs in their seats for a full term yesterday in Herald.

Regardless of bottom lines, Winston Peters will go with the winner if his choice matters. Let us hope it does not.

Asked to forecast the outlook for the housing market this year, an economist recently made an important point.