Barrie Davis: Rise and Fall of the British Empire

Alice Roberts this year published Domination: The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity. Professor Roberts is an academic specialising in anatomy and biological anthropology. She has published a number of books and clips of her hundred or so television programs are available on You Tube. Roberts is an excellent presenter who can visit a dig and discuss the site with the workers in their own terms while telling an interesting story to a general audience. It is marvellous popular science.

Michael Coote: Will tribal risks be fully disclosed in Mighty River Power sale?

The Mighty River Power (MRP) share float is being rushed through by a National minority government anxious to score a public relations victory. For prime minister John Key, the float is his chief hope of leaving behind a political legacy to be remembered after he has claimed his exiting knighthood. 

There will be tension between Mr Key, who would want to get the shares away come what may to help him win his gong, and finance minister Bill English, who should seek the highest possible price to pad out the government’s ailing books.