Sometimes high theory loses the human point of the exercise.
Read MoreAbstraction and Reality in Economics
Forced Re-entry
The elimination of Covid strategy is not so much defeated but changing circumstances means that policy has to evolve.
Read MoreAUKUS deal closes one nuclear window, but could open other doors
The new AUKUS pact leaves New Zealand on the outside with its traditional allies. But that means there’s a chance to build new alliances in Africa, based on shared values such as nuclear-free policies and the Commonwealth
Read MoreWhat Happened under Rogernomics and Ruthanasia?
A Rogernome Defends the Policies.
Read MoreACC and birth injuries - a change all to the good?
The Government plans to expand ACC to cover some birth injuries. That’s good. But it’s doing it in a daft way.
Read MoreThere can be only one... reason Collins is still in her job
Looking back to this point in the last political cycle, you see Labour tearing itself apart and fighting for the future of the party. National is facing the same crisis, but no-one seems to want to lead
Read MoreLibertarians, Neoliberals, Ordoliberals and Economists.
Not all neoliberals are the same, as a comparison ranging from Don Giovanni to Geneva School ordoliberals shows.
Read MoreBig Challenges for the Government
A short review of the policy issues that Labour is facing and the ministers undertaking them.
Read MoreThe 'team of five million' isn't all of us. Are we doing enough for the others?
The way we’ve implemented our Covid-19 strategy has come at a high price for a lot of New Zealanders… so are we doing enough now to say thanks and show kindness to Kiwis trapped offshore? And what more could we do?
Read MoreLiberal-Conservatives and Social Democrats: The Future of Māori
Michael Cullen set out his political philosophy in his autobiography. So has Chris Finlayson. His is having significant impact on Māori development.
Read MoreWhy not just send the Auckland terrorist back?
Why don’t we just change our laws to make it easier to send people like the Auckland terrorist back to where they came from? Well, it may not actually be that easy.
Read MoreAre We Undermining Science’s Credibility?
Perhaps one of the reasons for vaccination hesitancy is that we are too casual about what constitutes science.
Read MoreAfter 20 years in Afghanistan, 'a little revenge' has done immeasurable damage
President Joe Biden has declared the war in Afghanistan over, but the 20-year legacy of bitter fruit will remain on our tongues for many years yet. The price for America’s “little revenge” has been paid by us all and we will keep paying it
Read MoreTo do a great right do a little wrong
Police action to enforce lockdown rules is necessary. Police enforcement of uncertain rules can be overzealous. Both of these things can be true at once.
Read MoreEconomic Predicting Is Not What It Seems
The research evidence is that humans, even experts, are poor forecasters.
Read MoreCovid, politics, parliament and accountability
Sittings in the House of Representatives have been suspended for a week. Whether our government’s actions can still be properly scrutinised largely depends on whether backbench Labour MPs can set aside their party loyalty.
Read MoreHas Our Electricity System Burnt Itself Out?
Trying to organise the electricity system around a competition model based on financial markets does not make sense.
Read MoreThe lucky lockdown? Is this the kick in the butt NZ needs?
Heading into another level four lockdown with delta finally loose in the community, it looks like our luck might have run out. But maybe not. Maybe this will be the lucky lockdown; the kick up the bum this country needs
Read MoreThe Executive Is not just Politicians; the Bureaucracy Counts.
Politics in New Zealand is presented to the general public as theatre or sport. What is really going on is often misunderstood.
Read MoreHow Broken is the Public Service?
Geoffrey Palmer has said that the public service has been so run down since 1984 that it could not today implement changes of the magnitude that the Lange-Douglas Government did.
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