A blunt policy tool
As German-American journalist and satirist H.L. Mencken once explained, “Every election is a sort of advance auction sale of stolen goods”. Read more
29 April, 2016
It’s size that matters
Can you remember back to a time when fizzy drinks weren’t maligned, but instead a rare treat? When you and your eagle-eyed siblings watched over the soda pouring ritual with great intent, studiously making sure the levels were equal, and that no one was preferred (by so much as a drop)? Read more
Roger Partridge
29 April, 2016
We need to find out what works in schools and then apply it to those that are less successful
Schools are labs and students are the subjects. Though this may sound controversial, behind closed doors teachers experiment on their students. Read more
26 April, 2016
The plight of those left behind
Chances are if you have had any discussions about migration in the past 12 months they have been about foreigners or Kiwis returning from Australia. But foreign migration is not the only cause of human traffic. Read more
Roger Partridge
22 April, 2016
Beware the will of the interwebs
Had Telecom left its renaming to the online world, it is unlikely ‘Spark’ would have been the name chosen. After all, this is a community whose vernacular specialises in cat videos, with an attention span that rarely exceeds 160 characters. Read more
22 April, 2016
Junk science on junk food
If you read a headline claiming chocolate can help you lose weight, what would be your first reaction? Based on their own experience, some people may be sceptical. Read more
22 April, 2016
Scream it from the rooftops: Supply!
With Auckland’s housing crisis now a permanent feature on the Herald’s front page, it is worth restating how this problem started: not enough homes were built to keep up with natural demand. When too many buyers chase too few goods, prices have to rise. Read more
22 April, 2016
The Health of the State
Lifestyle regulations assume people do not always act in their best interests. The Health of the State warns against policies designed to protect people from themselves. Read more
21 April, 2016
Dr Oliver Hartwich on Radio NZ on sugar taxes
Our Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich, talks to Guyon Espiner on Radio New Zealand about whether or not proposed taxes on sugar would be effective. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich
21 April, 2016
Dr Eric Crampton on Radio NZ on the effect of Mexico's sugar tax
Our Head of Research, Dr Eric Crampton, talks to Radio New Zealand about the effect of Mexico's sugar tax, suggesting that in order to emulate its effects New Zealand would need to impose a tax of at least $2 per litre of soda - something that not even public health researchers are proposing. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
21 April, 2016
Dr Eric Crampton on Radio NZ on sugar taxes not being a silver bullet
Our Head of Research, Dr Eric Crampton, talks to Radio New Zealand about proposals for sugar taxes are not the silver bullets they are often made out to be. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
21 April, 2016
Dr Oliver Hartwich on Newstalk ZB talking about The Health of the State
Our Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich, joins Larry Williams on Newstalk ZB to discuss our latest publication, The Health of the State. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich
21 April, 2016
Jamie Whyte comments on lifestyle regulations
Comments made at The Health of the State report launch in Wellington. Read more
20 April, 2016
The Health of the State panel discussion - Q&A
The New Zealand Initiative hosted Jenesa Jeram (author), Girol Karacaoglu (Treasury), Marama Fox (Maori Party) and Jamie Whyte (Institute of Economic Affairs) to debate lifestyle regulations and taxes such as those on sugar, e-cigarettes and alcohol in Wellington on 20 April 2016. The event launched the Initiative's newest report, The Health of the State. Read more
20 April, 2016
Marama Fox comments on lifestyle regulations at The Health of the State debate
Marama Fox of the Maori Party comments on lifestyle regulations such as sugar taxes, e-cigarettes and alcohol at The Health of the State panel discussion in Wellington on 20 April 2016. The event was held to launch The New Zealand Initiative's latest report, The Health of the State. Read more
20 April, 2016