At the beginning of 2017, New Zealand finds itself probably in the best position it has been in for decades. Key figures like economic growth, unemployment and inflation show a country in great shape. Read more
Fisheries management in New Zealand has been resting on its laurels for too long. The Quota Management System was once world-leading. Read more
Over summer, I’ve been disturbed with how many people shamelessly flaunt their inherited assets. These people are born with a certain privilege. Read more
Insights 48/15 Dec: Thank you and happy holidays Insights 47/8 Dec: Kettle of fish | Dismal reading results | Death of binge drinking Insights 46/1 Dec: Breaking the cycle of disadvantage | Future of recreational fisheries | Fairly important Insights 45/24 Nov: Rankings mask weakness | Finding level | Political dramatics Insights 44/17 Nov: FDI liberalisation | Labour and Social Investment | There be clowns here... Insights 43/10 Nov: Analog Regulation, Digital World | A good place for paternalism | Our own House.. Read more
John MacDonald talks with Dr Eric Crampton, head of research at The New Zealand Initiative, on the growing gap between rich and poor in New Zealand. This is after it was revealed that New Zealand's two richest men have more money than 30% of the NZ population. Read more
Eric Crampton is a thin, boyish-looking Canadian who brings an original perspective and even a sense of fun to economic debates, which have not traditionally been a source of great humour. A case in point. Read more
While in Fremantle, Western Australia, our Research Fellow, Dr Randall Bess, spent some time with John Harrison, CEO of the Western Australian Fishing Industry Council. With a background in both recreational and commercial fishing, Mr Harrison considers it is imperative that both sectors collaborate to find workable solutions to fisheries problems Read more
Christmas is getting better. Maybe it’s because Kiwis are getting better at keeping New Year's resolutions. Read more
While in Perth, Western Australia, our Research Fellow, Dr Randall Bess, was able to get on the water with Andrew Cribb from the Department of Fisheries. Even though the fishing wasn’t great that day, Hillarys Boat Harbour was impressive, as was the number of boats on the water. Read more
Our Research Fellow, Dr Randall Bess, spent some time with Andrew Cribb from the Western Australia Department of Fisheries. Mr Cribb is the architect of the new fisheries legislation that, amongst other things, includes the ability to reallocate catch levels between fishing sectors. Read more
Now that Steven Joyce is to be given the Finance Minister reins, it is worth looking forward to what a Joycean finance ministry might bring. Joyce took a very active role in his administration at MBIE. Read more
For all of John Key’s achievements, his administration failed miserably in one area: housing affordability. When he became prime minister in 2008, house prices were already high. Read more
For some people, Christmas has come early. Just think of our new Prime Minister Bill English. Read more
There is no doubt that Aucklanders want to live in a world-class city. There is less agreement on what that means. Read more
On Sydney's 2GB Radio, Dr Oliver Hartwich reflects on John Key's time as Prime Minister and looks forward to what we can expect from Bill English.
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