2024 03 05 Whats going on with Wellington

Podcast: What's going on with Wellington?

In this episode, Eric talks to Danyl Mclauchlan, one of NZ's top political writers who is often featured in The New Zealand Listener and on Substack. He has written recently on turmoil in Wellington's pipe network and writes more broadly on the state of politics and the state of the polity. Read more

Danyl Mclauchlan
5 March, 2024

When the bloat began

Last year, the Initiative released a report on administrative bloat at New Zealand universities. It showed that the majority of staff at New Zealand universities are non-academics, and that this has been the case for quite some time. Read more

Dr James Kierstead
Insights Newsletter
1 March, 2024

Condemned!

Today I found out that both the Prime Minister and I are self-described “test cricket tragics”. If he can tell me what Neil Wagner’s final bowling average is upon retirement, I’ll believe him. Read more

Insights Newsletter
1 March, 2024
website greece

The Greek Miracle

Late last year, I taught my final course for Victoria University of Wellington, guiding 19 young Kiwis around Greece for the Classics field trip. The trip offered plenty of food for thought (not to mention food) for anyone interested (and how could you not be?) in the stupendous artistic and intellectual achievements of the ancient Greeks. Read more

Dr James Kierstead
ZB Plus
29 February, 2024
Research Note When the bloat began with outline

When the Bloat Began: Non-Academic Staffing at New Zealand Universities over the long run, 1961-1997

This new research note, When the Bloat Began: Non-Academic Staffing at New Zealand Universities over the Long Run, 1961-1997, reveals the year in which non-academic employees started to outnumber academics at our universities. Building on the findings of our earlier research report, Blessing or Bloat? Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Dr James Kierstead
Research Note
28 February, 2024
When the bloat began website thumbnail

Media Release: New research reveals the start of excessive non-academic staffing in New Zealand Universities

New research reveals the start of excessive non-academic staffing in New Zealand Universities Wellington (Wednesday, 28 February 2024) - This new research note, When the Bloat Began: Non-Academic Staffing at New Zealand Universities over the Long Run, 1961-1997, reveals the year in which non-academic employees started to outnumber academics at our universities. Building on the findings of our earlier research report, Blessing or Bloat? Read more

Dr Michael Johnston
Dr James Kierstead
28 February, 2024

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