Punitive public policy too often ignores its impact on the children involved.
Read MoreEconomy
Micawber Down Under
Nineteenth-century migrants may have come here to escape oppressive laws, but the laws migrated too. It was late in the twentieth century that we abolished one of the most oppressive ones. Our origins are less humane than we like to pretend.
Read MoreBrexit and Nostalgia
It is unclear why anyone is voting for Britain leaving the EU nor, in many cases, why they are voting for remain. What are the possible alternatives? How is Britain or New Zealand to function in an increasingly globalised world?
Read MoreThe Economics of Information and the Newspaper Merger
The economics of information shows that whatever happens, the solution our ailing newspapers to the digital revolution will not be a perfect one.
Read MoreReading "Other People’s Money: The Real Business of Finance"
Do you know what a bezzle is? Here is a book which explains the sophisticated financial system.
Read MoreThe Budget: A Longer Term Prognosis.
A major preoccupation of the budget was preparing for the next major financial crisis. To do so it is reducing government spending relative to GDP. Where do tax cuts fit in?
Read MoreAdapt or die: Flicking the switch on solar
Power companies attempting to fend off solar power are at risk of following the horse and cart into oblivion
Read MoreHave We a Housing Policy?
The government has let the housing market deteriorate with measures which are insufficient, late and ineffective. As a first step we need to identify the underlying problems.
Read MoreWhere is Adult Education Going?
This is a condensed version of a paper given to a WEA Conference on 14 May, 2016, Available in full at http://www.eastonbh.ac.nz/2016/05/where-is-adult-education-going/
Read MoreHow Should We Run a Budget Deficit?
If it necessary to run a budget deficit then it should be spent in the interests of future generations, rather than on increased consumption to be paid for in the future.
Read MoreValue and Price
The social worth of a person in no way reflects their income or wealth. To confuse the two notions is to play into the values of the rich.
Read MoreReducing External Political Interference in New Zealand: A Modest Proposal.
Are we too generous about the civilian rights of non-doms, who do not pay tax on all their incomes?
Read MoreGrumbling
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 MoreA 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.
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