On Newstalk ZB, John MacDonald discussed Dr Bryce Wilkinson's NZ Herald article Increased working-age welfare dependency is a problem with callers. Listen John talk about it below. Read more
New Zealand’s welfare system is a problem for beneficiaries, taxpayers and others. Think of those affected by the reported problems in Rotorua from emergency housing in motels. Read more
I would not usually devote a column for The Australian to problems with a New Zealand local council. Nevertheless, the city in question is the capital, so I will make an exception. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich talks to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB and says that the Reserve Bank's policy to reduce inflation needs to be in line with government fiscal policy. Listen below. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton speaks to Michael Laws on The Platform about New Zealand's economic challenges. Watch below. Read more
It’s funny how times change. In 2019, Labour announced its first ‘wellbeing’ budget. Read more
If Guyon Espiner at Radio New Zealand is right about Associate Health Minister Casey Costello’s plans for tobacco policy, there is reason to celebrate. At least for those who care about harm reduction, proportionality, and civil liberties. Read more
Happy new years do not start like this. The first few weeks of 2024 served as a reminder that the geopolitical situation is at its most dangerous in decades. Read more
Wellington City Council’s current leaking water woes epitomise the misplaced spending priorities of successive councils. Wellingtonians now face water rationing in their homes while they see vast quantities of leaked piped water escaping down streets and across pavements. Read more
Half a world away from New Zealand in the Red Sea, a small group is making a big splash in international relations theory and philosophy. The Houthis, already well known for their stunning flag design talents and progressive stance on ageist restrictions to military service, have awed the intellectual community once again. Read more
The Government’s decision to deploy defence force personnel to the Middle East marks a significant, yet reasonable, shift in its foreign policy. Far from undermining our long-held independence stance, this move reaffirms New Zealand’s commitment to democratic values and global security. Read more
The New Year always brings the promise of a new beginning. But it also confronts us with last year’s headaches. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton is interviewed by Ali Jones and Ian Powell on RNZ's The Panel about Wellington Water issues and talk about a volumetric user pays model. Listen here (Eric's interview starts at the 11:30 mark). Read more
Insights 47 / 15 December: | A year of new beginnings Insights 46 / 8 December: | Daunting task ahead | Fuel tax alternative | Risk of lift in literacy Insights 45 / 1 December: | Radical or conservative? | Regulatory Standards Act | Dutch courage Insights 44 / 24 November: | Initiative applauds new coalition | Class Divides | Utopia Insights 43 / 17 November: | Reform or transform? Read more
Thank goodness New Zealand has an Auditor-General who takes his official responsibilities seriously. Last week, he released a damning assessment of recent ministerial processes for making funding decisions on two major infrastructure investment programmes. Read more