This week’s budget projected no return to balanced books. It is difficult to see how recent budgets from National and Labour comply with the Public Finance Act’s fiscal responsibility provisions. Read more
On Tuesday morning, I attended a breakfast in New Zealand’s Parliament. The latest report from NZIER, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, to Xero, the online accounting software company, “Going Digital in 2025,” was unveiled. Read more
Like most of the developed world, we in New Zealand live – we like to think – in a representative democracy. Rather than directly voting on issues, we vote for politicians who represent us in Parliament and in local councils. Read more
Last week, the University of Otago came out with its new statement on institutional neutrality – a statement that was not only new, but that also forged a bold new approach to the whole concept of neutrality. Institutional neutrality, the statement declares, ‘means that University leaders will not communicate institutional positions on controversial political topics except where such issues directly impact the University’s role or functions.’ So far, so neutral – and nothing much that’s new. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to John Campbell on 1News Q+A Budget Special 2025 describing the Budget as "underwhelming" in terms of economic growth and fiscal consolidation. While noting some positive aspects like targeted spending and accelerated depreciation, Dr Crampton highlighted that government spending remains high and surplus projections are weak, even by the end of the forecast window. Read more
In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick Clark about how artificial intelligence could help local government councillors make better decisions. They discuss how AI tools can help councillors understand complex reports, identify key issues, and formulate intelligent questions, ultimately empowering elected representatives who are often overwhelmed by technical information outside their expertise. Read more
The government is impatient for change in grocery retail. Minister Willis put supermarkets on notice that they may even be broken up if they do not put forward acceptable proposals. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton was featured in RNZ's news segment about the upcoming budget and the government's structural deficit. Dr Crampton emphasised the need to reduce government spending back to pre-COVID levels, warning that current budget trends could pose challenges for managing future economic pressures like an ageing population. Read more
In this presentation at Scots College, Professor Barbara Oakley from Oakland University shares the neuroscience behind effective learning. Drawing from her personal journey from struggling with math to becoming a Distinguished Professor of Engineering, she explains proven techniques including retrieval practice, the Pomodoro Technique, spaced repetition, and how the brain's focused and diffuse thinking modes work together. Read more
Two weeks ago, I suggested a treaty ending international film subsidies. Government funding for local cultural content can be defensible. Read more
New medicines are slow to be authorised for the New Zealand market. Even if a medicine has already been approved by many other trustworthy overseas regulators like those in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU, Medsafe can take a very long time to evaluate a medicine. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the Green Party's alternative budget, critiquing its $88 billion tax increase plan and unrealistic spending proposals. Dr Hartwich specifically highlighted the impracticality of the Greens' free dentistry policy given New Zealand's limited number of dentists and described the alternative budget as a "fantasy" rather than a realistic economic proposal. Read more
New Zealanders should be grateful to any party that clearly outlines its goals, so we welcome the Greens’ presentation of their Green Budget. That said, what they have presented is more than just a Budget. Read more
You’ve got to admire MBIE. Really. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston was mentioned by Newstalk ZB in their news segment about the declining number of trainees and apprentices in New Zealand, following his recent report on trades training and improving vocational pathways. Dr Johnston suggested that introducing a graduated training wage as apprentices progress through their training could provide incentives for apprentices, in response to data showing a 12% drop in learners and a 19% decrease in continuing apprentices from previous years. Read more
