From the perspective of New Zealand local authorities, Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) has won the localism lottery. In the space of three years, the council has been given control over a number of key functions, including infrastructure, housing, skills development, carbon emission controls, transport, investment, as well as policing and health. Read more
Living longer is good. But a lot of things are good. Read more
Last week, I telephoned a friend of mine who heads the economics research department of a major German company. As we talked through current affairs, I asked him if Chancellor Angela Merkel might be toppled by her own party over her handling of the refugee crisis. Read more
Despite the political turmoil the refugee crisis has created in Europe, it is often argued that the arrival of hundreds of thousands of refugees might help to solve the problem of Europe’s ageing population. And indeed, if you have a preference for rose-tinted glasses, the migrants will not only rejuvenate the old continent, but will bring their skills and qualifications and make their recipient countries stronger than they had been before. Read more
Shanghai’s number one position on international school league tables is the envy of public school systems around the world. Notwithstanding claims that some of the city’s results may have been engineered or that students there are among the least happy by OECD average, the system is one that New Zealand could learn from with regards to turning around poorly performing schools. Read more
Shanghai’s number one position on international school league tables is the envy of public school systems around the world. Notwithstanding claims that some of the city’s results may have been engineered or that students there are among the least happy by OECD average, the system is one that New Zealand could learn from with regards to turning around poorly performing schools. Read more
Trialling policy reform in regions that are keen to see the benefits could solve rather a few of the country’s policy problems. New Zealand has one of the world’s more centralised forms of government. Only about nine cents of every dollar of government expenditure is spent at the local level. Read more
Experimentation is a critical part of most industries. Developing, researching and trialling new drugs in the pharmaceutical industry has helped save millions of lives. Read more
As the first article noted, there is phenomenal interest among local government officials over the idea of trialling new ways of tackling long standing problems through special economic zones. But where do we get these new ideas, and how do we limit the risks that come with trying something new? Read more
If you are planning on having a baby any time soon, I would recommend doing it with an economist. Not because of the (debatably) excellent genetic traits that could be passed down, but because it can empower parents to make informed decisions. Read more
Angela Merkel has been Germany’s Chancellor for 10 years, but this is the first time that she is facing serious challenges. Merkel may have survived the euro crisis without a dent in her popularity but Europe’s refugee crisis is leading observers to a hitherto unthinkable question: what if Merkel stumbles over the uncontrolled influx of migrants into her country? Read more
Child abuse is a shameful thing. It occurs to a disquieting degree. Read more
Last week, I wrote about my colourful experiences promoting local government reform in Britain. Though originally unpopular, the idea to give more power to the people has now become government policy over there. Read more
Helen Kelly has not always agreed with The New Zealand Initiative on regulatory issues, but on the issue of medical marijuana, we certainly agree with her. The outgoing Council of Trade Unions president is wanting to use medical marijuana for her own terminal illness. Read more
Recently I attended a citizenship ceremony, and sat amidst a group of people that could best be described as the diaspora of humanity. The event, as is the norm, was presided over by Wellington City Deputy Mayor Justin Lester. Read more