Reductions in effective productivity, largely as a result of events overseas, require reductions in real incomes. Ignore that and you cannot defeat inflation.
Read MoreWhat is Really Causing the Sharp Price Rises
Economy
The Economic Costs of Warfare
We do not go to war for free; we need to factor its economic costs and its consequences into public discussions.
Read MoreThe Ambiguity of Labels
Simon Bridges’ memoir, ‘National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider’, illustrates that humans are more complicated than the categories we put them into.
Read MoreWhy Do We Ignore Economics in Public Policy and History?
History books and policy changes such as for Three Waters and the media merger warn us ignoring economics is dangerous.
Read MoreWhat About Inflation?
Claims that our current inflation is due to government spending are nonsensical. There is a mantra which goes: if the economy is expanding, cut back public spending; if the economy is contracting, cut back public spending; if the economy is inflating, cut back public spending; if the economy is deflating, cut back public spending. Recognise a pattern?
Read MoreHow Economically Honest Are We?
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 MoreWarfare 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.
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