Debates about the letter of the recovery – “V”, “U”, “W”, “L”– assume the inevitable return to robust economic growth. Economic growth has become the universal solution for all political and economic problems, from reducing poverty to now solving the problems of over-indebted individuals, businesses and nations. Read more
With the London Olympics about to start, it is time to reveal the medal tally. China will win 102 medals (gold, silver and bronze), followed closely by the United States (100), Russia (71), and the United Kingdom (71). Read more
The Government has a website (New Zealand Now) that markets New Zealand to the world as “a great place to live, invest and do business”. A great many New Zealanders, including the strongest opponents of foreign investment, would probably agree. Read more
Europe’s politicians are quick learners. It has only taken them about 2½ years to realise that Greece cannot be saved within the eurozone. Read more
Until a few decades ago, Australian cities were rank outsiders in the Asia-Pacific region. Prosperous, globally connected, democratic, Western-standard—they were in effect European enclaves in Asia’s southern backyard. Read more
Housing affordability’ has been subject to heated political debate this week. The term doesn’t refer to social housing but to ‘more expensive than they should be’ houses. Read more
Centuries before the communist era, Chinese innovators came up with four of mankind’s truly profound and influential inventions: gunpowder, paper, printing and the compass. China also invented some of our handiest household items, including the wheelbarrow, the chopstick, the toothbrush, and toilet paper. Read more
Maori property cases have the potential to be noteworthy for the idea of protecting private property rights. This should be celebrated rather than lost in a wider discussion of the individual merits of the cases. Read more
It is the mantra of Europe’s political elites: To overcome the crisis more, not less, integration is required: more political integration, more banking integration, more fiscal integration. At the conclusion of this process, not only will the crisis be over but Europe will be a united superstate. Read more
Internships are a fantastic way for students to gain real world experience. Conversely, it makes sense for employers to employ interns – not just because they are cheap but also because they are often highly motivated and creative. Read more
Thousands of New Zealanders are leaving for greener pastures across the Tasman every year ignorant of the many myths and misconceptions about Australia’s economic fortunes and living standards. One such myth is that household wealth in Australia has continued to rise over the past five years. Read more
The fishing industry is important for New Zealand. Fishing is also important globally, with fish trade involving 85 nations and US$102 billion per year. Read more
The world economy is in crisis – at least that’s the impression you get from the business news. Europe’s monetary union is falling apart. Read more
It was Thomas Jefferson who once said that "those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one”. In today’s euro crisis, this quote needs to be modified: Those who desire to give up democracy in order to gain economic stability may also end up empty-handed. Read more
Having security in one’s person and property is fundamental to human dignity and civilised society. The instruction “Keep your hands to yourself” and the commandment “Thou shalt not steal or trespass” encapsulate this wisdom. Read more