Responses to the flag referendum and the TPPA have parallels overseas such as supporting Trump in the US and Brexit in Britain. A sizeable proportion of the population think that the government is not listening to them and doesn’t care about them.
Read MoreEconomy
A Lack of Interest
Are we entering a long period of secular stagnation in which interest rates are low? We cannot foresee all the implications.
Read MoreGod Save the Flag vs God Defend the Flag?
The story of our national anthems might provide guidance for how to proceed with the flag.
Read MoreBubble and Pop.
The history of New Zealand is speculation on farm land which stokes up debt, with disastrous consequences when the bubble bursts. The New Zealand industry is going through another one.
Read MoreDo inequality and poverty matter?
A journalist’s list of the ten most important issues politically facing us did not mention inequality and poverty. Why?
Read MoreAre we spending enough on healthcare?
The government is restraining its spending on healthcare – perhaps by over $2 billion a year. Is that what we really want?
Read MoreCh-ch-changes: Are you – or your child – doing the best course?
Most university classes start today... but is university the smart way to go? And which training leads to the best incomes? Two pieces of research can help you make a wise choice... or even change paths
Read MoreDo the ISDS Provisions in the TPPA Reduce Our Sovereignty?
The short answer is all trade reduces sovereignty to some extent. The TPPA is no exception, but its effect is probably small.
Read MoreCan We afford Not to Adopt the TPPA?
A key issue may not be what is in the TPPA, but that by not adopting it we may ruin the other international agreements we are pursuing.
Read MoreStory-telling: Getting to the truth about NZ agriculture
The time is right to be telling the story of New Zealand food production. But what should we say? And are our marketers up to the job?
Read MoreChina Jitters
World Sharemarkets Are Sneezing. What Does That Tell Us About the World Economy?
Read MoreOpponents of the TPP have been vague about their alternative
It’s time for opponents of the TPP to stop the gesture politics and answer some questions - like what is the alternative you propose? Do you really believe we can stay out of the TPP on our own? And do you want to pull out of the agreement after it is signed?
Read MoreMaking Quality Judgements
A book on the history of the Literary Fund raises broad questions of how our bureaucracy works.
Read MoreA Return To ‘Think Big’?
The strange economic assessment of the proposed extension to Wellington Airport’s runway reduces to a plea for subsidies from tax and ratepayers.
Read MoreWhadarya?
The Ethnic Future for New Zealand Is Unknown. But It Will Be Diverse and Different
Read MoreIs Our Economics Good Enough?
A report on social services by the Productivity Commission raises serious problems about the quality of analysis in New Zealand.
Read MoreThe Future of Trade Agreements
Given a long history of numerous trade agreements, why has the public become especially concerned about the TPP?
Read MoreFeeding the world
New Zealand is leading the way in sustainable agriculture, and that presents an opportunity to cash in
Read MoreThe TPP, Sovereignty and Copyright
While TPP – any trade deal – compromises sovereignty it does not mean we cannot respond constructively to unsatisfactory aspects such as those involving intellectual property.
Read MoreThrive: The Power of Psychological Therapy: Richard Layard & David M Clark
The book’s ‘message is as compelling as it is important: the social costs of mental illness are terribly high and the costs of effective treatments are surprisingly low'. Daniel Kahneman (psychologist and Nobel economics laureate).
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