I don’t know the right number of local water service entities. Neither do you. Read more
In this episode, Dr Oliver Hartwich and Dr James Kierstead discuss administrative bloat in New Zealand universities, focusing on the rise of non-academic staff and its potential consequences. Dr Kierstead shares some figures on the large number of non-academic employees compared to academic staff and compares the situation to other countries. Read more
After the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, markets became concerned about Greece’s ability to repay its debts. Until the crisis hit, rating agencies were relaxed about Greece’s solvency. Read more
When Putin started his illegitimate war in Ukraine nearly 14 months ago, he claimed it was for its “demilitarisation and denazification”. Almost all security analysts, however, rejected this ridiculous suggestion. Read more
I remember Primary School maths as being about learning to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Once we had learned those things, we took on fractions and decimals. Read more
New Zealanders are lucky to live in a country which ranks towards the top globally for compliance with the rule of law. We owe this rich heritage to our predecessors. Read more
In the world of central banking, nothing is as sobering as being forced to confront the consequences of past policy mistakes. Last week, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) delivered a hefty 50 basis point increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR), raising it to 5.25%. Read more
Falling carbon prices have the Finance Minister seeking advice on the Emissions Trading Scheme. The ETS can and should be bulletproof. Read more
So much has happened in the past few weeks that I am spoiled for choice of topics to discuss. In the US, two banks collapsed, causing the biggest bank failures since the GFC. Read more
Who really cares about the wellbeing of future generations? Those who do should care greatly about productivity growth. Read more
National recently announced a series of education policies that it will take to the election in October. One is to a develop a much more structured and knowledge-rich curriculum. Read more
The Super City is saved. The government has unveiled five exciting options for a second harbour crossing, which means that Aucklanders will no longer have to endure bumper-to-bumper traffic and road rage when they cross New Zealand’s most famous bridge. Read more
Much can be learned from the past, both the good and the bad. The Initiative’s upcoming report takes a historical perspective on New Zealand’s infrastructure challenge and offers a roadmap for moving forward. Read more