2024 11 29 nbr website

NBR: Dr Eric Crampton and Dr Ganesh Nana debate government spending cuts

On NBR, Dr Eric Crampton and Dr Ganesh Nana presented opposing views on New Zealand's economic direction and government spending. While Nana argued for increased public investment in infrastructure and services to build long-term economic resilience, Crampton advocated for fiscal restraint and maintaining lower debt levels to preserve borrowing capacity for future crises. Read more

Dr Eric Crampton
Dr Ganesh Nana & Brent Edwards
NBR
27 November, 2024
Michael Profile Square profile final

RNZ: Dr Michael Johnston calls for review of NCEA system

John Gerritsen on RNZ questions whether to keep NCEA Level 1, following an Education Review Office report that calls it unreliable and unclear in purpose. Dr Michael Johnston talks to RNZ saying the entire NCEA system needs review, particularly to create better pathways for students pursuing trades and apprenticeships rather than university. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
RNZ
27 November, 2024
Sean Plunket

The Platorm: Dr Eric Crampton reacts to health bureaucrats fighting against McDonald's in Wānaka

On The Platform, Dr Eric Crampton and Sean Plunkett discuss a controversial case where the National Public Health Service submitted objections to block McDonald's from opening in Wānaka, which Crampton characterises as an inappropriate and potentially vindictive use of the land-use planning process. The Health Minister has questioned the relevance of these submissions and raised the issue with Health New Zealand's Chief Executive, while both Crampton and Plunkett view this as emblematic of broader problems with bureaucratic overreach in New Zealand. Read more

Dr Eric Crampton
Sean Plunkett
The Platform
27 November, 2024
Simon O Connor RCR

Dr Michael Johnston warns of concerning decline in New Zealand education on Reality Check Radio

Dr Michael Johnston spoke to Simon O'Connor on Reality Check Radio about the significant challenges facing New Zealand's education system, including curriculum issues, teacher training problems, and declining university standards. He outlined potential solutions including a more structured knowledge-rich curriculum for schools, improved teacher training methods, and addressing free speech concerns in universities, while emphasising the need for both regulatory and cultural changes to improve educational outcomes. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Simon O'Connor
Reality Check Radio
15 November, 2024
paul brennan

Dr Oliver Hartwich suggests German solution for local government reform on Reality Check Radio

Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke to Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio about New Zealand's dysfunctional local government system, where elected officials are often powerless against entrenched bureaucracies. He proposed adopting reforms similar to those implemented in Germany's North Rhine-Westphalia region in the 1990s, where they created an "executive mayor" position that combined the roles of mayor and chief executive, leading to more effective local governance. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
Paul Brennan
Reality Check Radio
13 November, 2024
2024 10 24 Damien Grant

Different Matters: Damien Grant talks to Roger Partridge about his latest report on the Supreme Court

On the latest episode of his podcast Different Matters, Damien Grant talks to Roger Partridge about his latest report on the Supreme Court, in which he warns of a looming constitutional crisis in New Zealand, as the Supreme Court increasingly oversteps its bounds, threatening the balance of power between the courts and Parliament. Listen below. Read more

Roger Partridge
Damien Grant
Different Matters
24 October, 2024

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