The proposed health redisorganisation seeks to markedly centralise the health system. Is this grab for power justified; will it work?
Read MoreCentralising the Public Health System
Destroying Public Service Broadcasting
The recognition that there is a media problem is correct, but the chosen solution is likely to be disastrous.
Read MoreTaniwha New Zealand shows its foreign policy teeth to the world. But what does it mean?
Nanaia Mahuta’s speech on China used some pretty plain language, but the words that resonated were not just about our largest trading partner. Others about some of our oldest allies were just as controversial
Read MoreWill The 2021 Budget Be Focused on Wellbeing?
Now is about the time that the Government is getting its Budget Strategy together
Read MoreTrading Red Tape
Whatever the damage, especially to the British economy, Brexit has done us a service by illustrating the complexity of trade.
Read MoreTaxing Questions About Taxing Housing
The government’s recent housing package may work; will it do enough?
Read MoreOpen Modelling Climate Change Policies
The Climate Change Commission should immediately publish the details of its economic models and enable the public to access them.
Read MoreWhy Don’t We All Live in Australia?
Migration patterns provide further evidence that wellbeing is not simply measured by income.
Read MoreDo We Really Care about the Marginalised?
Social philosophy in New Zealand is muddled and incomplete.
Read MoreAre We Really Budgeting for Wellbeing?
How Can We Make Wellbeing at the Centre of Public Policy If We Dont Measure It?
Read MoreWe Should leave 'Be Kind' for the cushion covers
During lockdown last year we cycled pretty fast through bingeing Tiger King, sourdough starters, and Zoom drinks. One year one from the first recorded COVID case in NZ, it shouldn’t be surprise the original messaging is getting stale.
Read MoreHow best to get COVID-19 contacts to do the right thing?
There’s an existing legal power to make people self-isolate. Failing to comply with such a requirement can attract reasonably severe sanctions. Why, then, do we not start hanging some more admirals pour encourager les autres?
Read MoreWe Must Avoid Treating Māori As Living Fossils.
There are times when tikanga needs to be broken for tikanga to survive.
Read MoreThe law of diminishing Covid returns: The government's mood management task
If you were out and about in Auckland this weekend, you would have seen the level 2 is almost non-existent now. It’s further proof Labour faces a challenge this year in managing the public mood
Read MoreBarbarians at the Library Gates
The burning of books has a long history. That it no reason why we should add to it.
Read MoreThe Sources of House Price Inflation.
Building more houses is not going to reduce house prices much (although it will help more people to be decently housed). The inflation driver is financial speculation based on leveraged borrowing. Until that is addressed, house prices will continue to boom.
Read MoreAre We in for a Meltdown as We Tackle Climate Change?
Does it make sense to compare our climate change adaptation with Rogernomics?
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Is the King Above the Law?
While many readers will say ‘the king is certainly not above the law’, not everyone believes that, especially if they are in power.
Read MoreAn island never cries
Putting those who are entering New Zealand in downtown hotels doesn’t seem to be furthering our “elimination strategy”. Is there somewhere else we could try?
Read MoreHow is the Economy Doing?
The Treasury forecasts suggest the economy is doing better than expected after the Covid Shock.
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