The world’s united response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is giving Vladimir Putin pause and resetting geo-political calculations… not just in Moscow, but closer to home as well
Read MoreAre We Becoming Little New Zealanders/Aotearoans?
Terrified of being unable to cope with the world they look inward. The National Library seems to join them.
Read MoreIs the Executive Accountable Enough?
Should the Children’s Commissioner be an officer of parliament?
Read MoreI too am not a bit tamed
The protest at Parliament reveals something of the gap between our laws’ thought and expression. And it requires a decision as to how far we will accommodate those who stand outside our world.
Read MoreThe good & bad of NZ's Omicron plan as the wave hits & tactics need to change
New Zealand’s approach to Covid can be boiled down to: Buy time. And it’s worked. But now it’s time to change tactics and execute the plan much, much better
Read MoreHow Viable is the New Zealand Economy in the Long Run?
A Projection Suggests that in 2050 New Zealand will be a very different place.
Read MoreWhat Does the Government Think About Economic Inequality?
The ‘Budget Policy Statement’ may reveal what the government really thinks.
Read MoreAssessing the Government's "unemployment insurance" proposal
The government’s proposed income insurance scheme is being described as a “social insurance” scheme. What does that mean, and why is the characterisation important for how you think about the scheme and how it could be funded?
Read MoreShould We Take Economists’ Predictions Seriously?
There are quality economic forecasts and there are entertaining ones.
Read MoreWhy Are We Happy?
The World Happiness Project has some answers.
Read MoreWhen Will Evergrande Collapse?
If China’s second largest property developer implodes, the Chinese financial system may be compromised, while the booming property market is so central to the Chinese economy, its staggering would impact internationally, including on New Zealand.
Read MoreThe consequences of Covid & why anti-vaxxers aren't free to cross a one-lane bridge whenever they like
Loud and angry protests against vaccine ‘mandates’, lockdowns and other Covid-restrictions continue here in New Zealand and around the world. It’s framed as a fight for freedom. It’s not. Rather, it’s a battle against consequences. So here’s my response to the ‘freedom fighters’, anti-vaxxers and all those nervous about the loss of freedoms during this pandemic
Read MoreHow the US Failed the Covid Challenge
Michael Lewis The Premonition: A Pandemic Story is another cracker to add to his other books such as ‘Liar's Poker’, ‘The Big Short’ and ‘The Undoing Project’.
Read MoreTurning to Jane Austen to Understand Social Development
It is the time of the year for reflection so let me share with you a problem which is puzzling me.
Read MoreDesmond Tutu 1931-2021: A hero who dared to hope in a moral universe
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was one of my heroes. Here’s why
Read MorePromoting the Health of the Nation
We are reminded by a turbulent year and Ayesha Verrall of the importance of an effective health system.
Read MoreWhere is Fiscal and Monetary Policy Going?
Treasury has announced that it is having a major review of its macroeconomic policy framework.
Read MoreWhy We May Expect to Pay More Tax
Legitimate pressures on government spending suggest we are going to have to raise total tax revenue or suffer a poorer quality New Zealand.
Read MoreIs the Māori Caucus So Dominant in Labour?
Journalist Graham Adams recently drew parallels between David Lange in the Fourth Labour Government and Jacinda Ardern in the Sixth, arguing that just as Lange was a hostage to the Rogernomes in his cabinet, Ardern is a hostage to the Māori in her caucus.
Read MoreA strong start - but can Luxon last?
Christopher Luxon spent his first, impressive appearance as National Party leader stressing his newness to politics and his leadership pedigree. But are both traits quite the strengths he thinks they are?
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