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In this episode, Oliver, Eric and Michael reflect on New Zealand's key policy achievements in 2024, including education reform, housing policy changes, and foreign direct investment liberalisation, while discussing the significant economic challenges facing the country. They explore Ireland's successful foreign investment strategy, necessary reforms to address structural deficits, and New Zealand's position in international trade, ending with optimism about education improvements planned for 2025. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston talks to Heather du Plessis Allan on Newstalk ZB about new government legislation requiring universities to adopt freedom of speech statements and preventing them from taking positions on issues outside their core functions. Dr Johnston says while universities already have free speech obligations, the new legislation will provide needed complaints procedures and could help address what he sees as cultural problems in universities, though it isn't a complete solution. Read more

In this episode, Eric talks to Chief Derek Epp of the Ch'iyáqtel (Tzeachten) First Nation about how his community gained extensive autonomy through Canada's First Nations fiscal institutions, enabling them to control their own zoning, development, and taxation. Chief Epp explains how this framework helped his 750-member band transform from 90% federal dependency to 90% own-source revenue, manage 900 acres serving thousands of non-indigenous residents, restore traditional practices like fish weirs, and become a valued development partner to neighbouring municipalities. Read more

Dr Bryce Wilkinson talks to Heather du Plessis Allan on Newstalk ZB about the Treasury's half-year economic update, expressing concern about a delayed return to budget surplus and advocating for reduced government spending, which is currently running about 2% of GDP higher than pre-COVID levels. Listen below. Read more