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An IRD report on effective rates of tax attracted much public attention last week. It was launched by the Minister of Revenue, David Parker. Read more

In 1983’s classic film War Games, computer-whiz Matthew Broderick hacked into Pentagon supercomputer WOPR - almost starting World War 3. WOPR had been programmed for war gaming. Read more

Everyone who contributes to traffic congestion already pays for it in about the worst way possible: through their time, and through excess wear and tear on – and emissions from – vehicles idling in stop-and-go traffic. Shifting to congestion charging would help ensure freer-flowing traffic. Read more

Annual inflation has fallen from 7.2% in the fourth quarter of 2022 to 6.7% in the first quarter of 2023. On the surface, this is good news. Read more

Australian cities just became a lot more attractive for younger Kiwis. New Zealand’s housing will have to become a lot more affordable, in a hurry, to avoid losing them. Read more

After the Global Financial Crisis of 2008, markets became concerned about Greece’s ability to repay its debts. Until the crisis hit, rating agencies were relaxed about Greece’s solvency. Read more

In the world of central banking, nothing is as sobering as being forced to confront the consequences of past policy mistakes. Last week, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) delivered a hefty 50 basis point increase in the Official Cash Rate (OCR), raising it to 5.25%. Read more

So much has happened in the past few weeks that I am spoiled for choice of topics to discuss. In the US, two banks collapsed, causing the biggest bank failures since the GFC. Read more