The endless inflation budget charade
And so, the state advances. Thirteen steps forward, four steps back, then onward again. Read more
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And so, the state advances. Thirteen steps forward, four steps back, then onward again. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton was interviewed on 1News on Budget Day about what he would like to see happen in the Budget. “What I would like to see today is a very clear path to get spending down to pre-Covid levels. Read more
This report, "City and regional deals", draws on the Initiative's extensive work on localism and international best practices to explore how partnerships between central and local government can empower communities to tackle their unique challenges and seize opportunities for growth. "For too long, our councils have borne the costs of growth while the benefits flow almost entirely to central government in Wellington," says Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative. Read more
Wellington (Tuesday, 28 May 2024) - New research from The New Zealand Initiative suggests city and regional deals could be a key to unlocking New Zealand's economic potential and boosting living standards across the country. The research note, "City and regional deals", draws on the Initiative's previous work on localism and international best practices to explore how partnerships between central and local government can empower communities to tackle their unique challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich talks to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the importance and implications of the upcoming New Zealand government budget. He emphasises focusing on key figures like the return to budget surplus and controlling government spending, which have long-term consequences for the country, rather than getting bogged down in granular details. Read more
In a shocking turn of events that has rocked the nation to its core, it has been revealed that Simon Bridges, the former minister and newly appointed chairman of the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA), received a speeding ticket in 2018. This earth-shattering news has sent shockwaves through the country, leaving citizens wondering whether the very fabric of our society is falling apart. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich talks to Rodney Hide on Reality Check Radio about the highly decentralised Swiss system of local government, where cantons and councils are incentivised to encourage development because they directly receive tax revenues. He contrasts this with the centralisation that has occurred in New Zealand and other Westminster-style countries, leading to issues like housing unaffordability, and suggests New Zealand could adopt Swiss-style reforms to change incentives and improve outcomes. Read more
When lightning strikes thrice, it is time to take notice. The Commerce Commission is only partway through its latest market study – this time into personal banking services. Read more
Chinese Ambassador Wang Xiaolong’s speech at the China Business Summit 2024 in Auckland on Monday was, at first glance, a typical diplomatic address. He extolled the strength of China’s economy, the benefits of bilateral trade, and the importance of the New Zealand-China relationship. Read more
American libertarian author and satirist P.J. O’Rourke used to joke that “Giving money and power to government is like giving whiskey and car keys to teenage boys.” The problem really is one of trust. Read more