One side says we should cut taxes but does not mention the implications for public spending; the other says we should increase public spending, but does not mention the implication for taxes.
Read MoreHow Economically Honest Are We?
Economy
Warfare in an Integrated World.
What do economic events since the Russian invasion of Ukraine tell us about globalisation?
Read MoreDo Economists Know the Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing?
They can justly reply that at least they know the difference. It matters a lot for those involved in the housing and investment markets.
Read MoreAre We Becoming Little New Zealanders/Aotearoans?
Terrified of being unable to cope with the world they look inward. The National Library seems to join them.
Read MoreIs the Executive Accountable Enough?
Should the Children’s Commissioner be an officer of parliament?
Read MoreHow Viable is the New Zealand Economy in the Long Run?
A Projection Suggests that in 2050 New Zealand will be a very different place.
Read MoreWhat Does the Government Think About Economic Inequality?
The ‘Budget Policy Statement’ may reveal what the government really thinks.
Read MoreShould We Take Economists’ Predictions Seriously?
There are quality economic forecasts and there are entertaining ones.
Read MoreWhy Are We Happy?
The World Happiness Project has some answers.
Read MoreWhen Will Evergrande Collapse?
If China’s second largest property developer implodes, the Chinese financial system may be compromised, while the booming property market is so central to the Chinese economy, its staggering would impact internationally, including on New Zealand.
Read MoreHow the US Failed the Covid Challenge
Michael Lewis The Premonition: A Pandemic Story is another cracker to add to his other books such as ‘Liar's Poker’, ‘The Big Short’ and ‘The Undoing Project’.
Read MoreTurning to Jane Austen to Understand Social Development
It is the time of the year for reflection so let me share with you a problem which is puzzling me.
Read MorePromoting the Health of the Nation
We are reminded by a turbulent year and Ayesha Verrall of the importance of an effective health system.
Read MoreWhere is Fiscal and Monetary Policy Going?
Treasury has announced that it is having a major review of its macroeconomic policy framework.
Read MoreWhy We May Expect to Pay More Tax
Legitimate pressures on government spending suggest we are going to have to raise total tax revenue or suffer a poorer quality New Zealand.
Read MoreIs the Māori Caucus So Dominant in Labour?
Journalist Graham Adams recently drew parallels between David Lange in the Fourth Labour Government and Jacinda Ardern in the Sixth, arguing that just as Lange was a hostage to the Rogernomes in his cabinet, Ardern is a hostage to the Māori in her caucus.
Read MoreCovid as Warriors
The book I am currently working on – tentative title ‘In Open Seas’ – looks at the current and future New Zealand. One chapter describes the policy towards Covid using the trope of warfare. It covers an important period in our history but it also shows how policy evolves and why, as Jacinda Ardern said, it was difficult to plan. This is as far as I have got (edited).
Read MoreSing Song about Hard Times
Celebrating Poet Anne Kennedy
Read MoreWatering Down Local Authority
The tunnelling machine for Auckland Watercare’s $1.2b 14.7km Central Interceptor Network which is expected to substantially reduce sewage overflows onto Auckland beaches by 2025.
Why is there so much local opposition to the Three Waters restructuring?
Read MoreCorporatising the Water Infrastructure
What is the Three Waters Restructuring Actually About?
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