The ‘Budget Policy Statement’ may reveal what the government really thinks.
Read MoreWhat Does the Government Think About Economic Inequality?
Assessing the Government's "unemployment insurance" proposal
The government’s proposed income insurance scheme is being described as a “social insurance” scheme. What does that mean, and why is the characterisation important for how you think about the scheme and how it could be funded?
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 MoreThe consequences of Covid & why anti-vaxxers aren't free to cross a one-lane bridge whenever they like
Loud and angry protests against vaccine ‘mandates’, lockdowns and other Covid-restrictions continue here in New Zealand and around the world. It’s framed as a fight for freedom. It’s not. Rather, it’s a battle against consequences. So here’s my response to the ‘freedom fighters’, anti-vaxxers and all those nervous about the loss of freedoms during this pandemic
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 MoreDesmond Tutu 1931-2021: A hero who dared to hope in a moral universe
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of my heroes. Here’s why
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.
Read MoreIs the Māori Caucus So Dominant in Labour?
Journalist Graham Adams recently drew parallels between David Lange in the Fourth Labour Government and Jacinda Ardern in the Sixth, arguing that just as Lange was a hostage to the Rogernomes in his cabinet, Ardern is a hostage to the Māori in her caucus.
Read MoreA strong start - but can Luxon last?
Christopher Luxon spent his first, impressive appearance as National Party leader stressing his newness to politics and his leadership pedigree. But are both traits quite the strengths he thinks they are?
Read MoreCovid as Warriors
The book I am currently working on – tentative title ‘In Open Seas’ – looks at the current and future New Zealand. One chapter describes the policy towards Covid using the trope of warfare. It covers an important period in our history but it also shows how policy evolves and why, as Jacinda Ardern said, it was difficult to plan. This is as far as I have got (edited).
Read MoreParliament, the Courts and the end of three strikes (for now)
National’s Shadow Attorney General thinks that the impending repeal of the three strikes law reveals a government in thrall to an overreaching judiciary. Is he right about that?
Read MoreSing Song about Hard Times
Celebrating Poet Anne Kennedy
Read MoreVaccine mandates: a severe step responding to a dire situation
Vaccine mandates should not be seen as anything other than a severe step responding to a dire situation. There may well be good reason for them, but before deciding that we need to honestly recognise how severe an imposition they are.
Read MoreWatering Down Local Authority
The tunnelling machine for Auckland Watercare’s $1.2b 14.7km Central Interceptor Network which is expected to substantially reduce sewage overflows onto Auckland beaches by 2025.
Why is there so much local opposition to the Three Waters restructuring?
Read MoreCorporatising the Water Infrastructure
What is the Three Waters Restructuring Actually About?
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