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
As the asset sale debate goes round and round in circles, one really has to ask: Why is the government not prosecuting a clear and cogent social case for asset sales, and instead focussing on narrow fiscal effects? A glance at past privatisations demonstrates a greater awareness of the costs, rewards and reasons for doing so. Read more
Saving the euro from collapse must be a fulltime job for economists working at the European Central Bank (ECB) and its national member banks. At least so I thought. Read more
After last week’s decisive EU summit (the 20th of its kind), and after the German parliament’s support for the latest bailout plans, the euro is saved! Again. Read more
As he announced a further slowdown of New Zealand’s emissions trading scheme, the Minister of Trade and International Climate Change Negotiations, Tim Groser, said the government “has opted not to pile further costs onto households and the productive sector”. The contrast with the Gillard government could not be clearer. Read more