The informed discussion on the next steps in tax policy is about improving the income tax base, not about taxing wealth directly.
Read MoreImproving Taxing Income
New Rules for Government Budget Management
While the new fiscal rules may not be contentious, what they mean for macroeconomic management is not explained.
Read MoreDo We Have a Population Policy?
Population growth has some effect on economic growth, but it is complicated especially where infrastructure is involved. We need to think more about it.
Read MoreWhat is Really Causing the Sharp Price Rises
Reductions in effective productivity, largely as a result of events overseas, require reductions in real incomes. Ignore that and you cannot defeat inflation.
Read MoreThe Economic Costs of Warfare
We do not go to war for free; we need to factor its economic costs and its consequences into public discussions.
Read More50 days of war in Ukraine: What have we learnt?
Gas, geo-politics, the Crimean War, citizen solidarity, red line and the importance of coastlines… after 50 days of war in Ukraine let’s run through just some of the things we’ve learnt since Vladimir Putin went to war
Read MoreThe Ambiguity of Labels
Simon Bridges’ memoir, ‘National Identity: Confessions of an Outsider’, illustrates that humans are more complicated than the categories we put them into.
Read MoreWhy Do We Ignore Economics in Public Policy and History?
History books and policy changes such as for Three Waters and the media merger warn us ignoring economics is dangerous.
Read MoreHow to Live, and Fail, in a Multipolar World
Putin may have done irreparable damage to Russia’s place in the world.
Read MoreWhat About Inflation?
Claims 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 MoreHow Economically Honest Are We?
One 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 MoreWarfare in an Integrated World.
What do economic events since the Russian invasion of Ukraine tell us about globalisation?
Read MoreDo Economists Know the Price of Everything and the Value of Nothing?
They can justly reply that at least they know the difference. It matters a lot for those involved in the housing and investment markets.
Read MoreGlobal unity against Moscow sends a clear message to Beijing
The world’s united response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is giving Vladimir Putin pause and resetting geo-political calculations… not just in Moscow, but closer to home as well
Read MoreAre We Becoming Little New Zealanders/Aotearoans?
Terrified of being unable to cope with the world they look inward. The National Library seems to join them.
Read MoreIs the Executive Accountable Enough?
Should the Children’s Commissioner be an officer of parliament?
Read MoreI too am not a bit tamed
The protest at Parliament reveals something of the gap between our laws’ thought and expression. And it requires a decision as to how far we will accommodate those who stand outside our world.
Read MoreThe good & bad of NZ's Omicron plan as the wave hits & tactics need to change
New Zealand’s approach to Covid can be boiled down to: Buy time. And it’s worked. But now it’s time to change tactics and execute the plan much, much better
Read MoreHow Viable is the New Zealand Economy in the Long Run?
A Projection Suggests that in 2050 New Zealand will be a very different place.
Read MoreWhat Does the Government Think About Economic Inequality?
The ‘Budget Policy Statement’ may reveal what the government really thinks.
Read More