Economy
Perhaps we are reaching the stage of the 1870s, the 1930s and the 1970s of growing unease about the state of the New Zealand economy. It is not stagnating, but it is not obviously going anywhere either. Will we have another ‘Think Big’ and if so, what will be the balance between the private and public involvement?
Read More‘Dark Towers’, a book on Deutsche Bank, throws light on a long running economic dispute.
Read MoreBudget 2022: What does Treasury think is happening to the economy whose evolution underpins the budget policies?
Read MoreThe informed discussion on the next steps in tax policy is about improving the income tax base, not about taxing wealth directly.
Read MoreWhile the new fiscal rules may not be contentious, what they mean for macroeconomic management is not explained.
Read MorePopulation growth has some effect on economic growth, but it is complicated especially where infrastructure is involved. We need to think more about it.
Read MoreReductions in effective productivity, largely as a result of events overseas, require reductions in real incomes. Ignore that and you cannot defeat inflation.
Read MoreWe do not go to war for free; we need to factor its economic costs and its consequences into public discussions.
Read MoreSimon Bridges’ memoir, ‘National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider’, illustrates that humans are more complicated than the categories we put them into.
Read MoreHistory books and policy changes such as for Three Waters and the media merger warn us ignoring economics is dangerous.
Read MoreClaims 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 MoreOne 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 MoreWhat do economic events since the Russian invasion of Ukraine tell us about globalisation?
Read MoreThey can justly reply that at least they know the difference. It matters a lot for those involved in the housing and investment markets.
Read MoreTerrified of being unable to cope with the world they look inward. The National Library seems to join them.
Read MoreShould the Children’s Commissioner be an officer of parliament?
Read MoreA Projection Suggests that in 2050 New Zealand will be a very different place.
Read MoreThe ‘Budget Policy Statement’ may reveal what the government really thinks.
Read MoreThere are quality economic forecasts and there are entertaining ones.
Read MoreThe World Happiness Project has some answers.
Read More
