David Skegg’s book not only argues for vigorous population-based health programs but also provides an uncomfortable account of how decisions in the public interest can be overwhelmed by short-term politics.
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Politics Review 2019: Progress all round
The past year has been one of pretty positive progress by all the parliamentary parties. Let’s take a look at what they’ve achieved in 2019
Read More#BurnArdern is seriously worrying. Here’s how to stop it.
With things getting serious, we may need to think the unthinkable.
Read MoreChristmas Thoughts
Please remember not to talk to journalists (not lightly, anyway)
While it all seems so pointless, there are lessons we can take from the #TurnArdern saga.
Read MoreIs the Left Being Left Behind?
Has the democratic socialist tradition become a conservative force in politics throughout the world?
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That time the politicians were right and the experts were very, very wrong
It is always a good idea to take expert advice onboard. In politics, the final say should rest with the politicians, however.
Read MoreWhat's the most annoying type of political person in New Zealand?
Hint: it’s not pundits.
Read MoreYou’ll never guess who supports a universal child tax credit…
Further confirmation of the way forward for National.
Read MoreRail in New Zealand: getting back on track
Lewis Holden looks at the real story, the real issues and the real solutions regarding rail transportation in New Zealand.
Read MoreInfrastructure won’t win it for National (but this other thing might)
Don’t be the party of infrastructure, be the party of families
Read MoreBoiling the economic frog: Grant Robertson astute but cynical as he finally spends on infrastructure
Every step of his first term, Finance Minister Grant Robertson has slowly increased spending while always insisting he doesn’t need to spend more. It’s been effective politics, but cynical and damaging economics
Read MoreWhat Hehir gets wrong about the monarchy and a republic
So, so many things…
Read MoreThe Left: Behind
After the collapse of UK Labour, Joe Pagani examines why the left keeps losing
Read MoreHow could you possibly lose? British Labour and the 2019 election.
How did British Labour Manage to lose the 2019 election so decisively? By wanting voters to think like them rather than the other way around.
Read MoreXmas with your conservative uncle: a survival guide
Are you dreading the prospect of a day with this man of straw? Here’s an insiders guide to getting through lunch without annoying your mum.
Read MoreWhat does the Whakaari / White Island eruption mean for New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme?
The Whakaari / White Island tragedy raises issues of risk, harm and responsibility, and whether our ACC scheme properly deals with these.
Read MoreWhy National should consider a universal child tax credit
If it wants to be the natural party of government, National needs to get ahead of the curve.
Read MoreConnecting the Nation
At issue is not whether Whangarei becomes Auckland’s main port. It is about the way Auckland connects to Northland and the rest of New Zealand.
Read MoreNature and its terrifying power
Yesterday was a reminder of just who is in charge. It’s not us.
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