What Was the Prime Minister Reading in the Runup to Election Year?
Read MoreChristmas Briefing Papers
economy
Time for Grant Robertson to reveal package #2?
Two weeks ago Grant Robertson announced the coalition government’s $12.1 billion rescue package as “just the beginning”. So when do we get the next bit?
Read MoreNo half-measures: the risk to the economy is too serious
The government needs to go big or go home. Here are a few things Liam Hehir hopes it plans to announce.
Read MoreCan we save the planet without a revolution?
The short answer is no; the long answer requires an explanation of what form that revolution will take.
Read MoreNational needs a Capital Gains Tax - it's still borrowing to pay for tax cuts
The deficit-funded tax cuts that National gave the high income earners is still being paid for by borrowing.
When National won office at the end of 2008, they had a mandate to give median income earners a tax cut 'north of $50 a week'. At the time John Key made that promise he explicitly pledged not to increase GST to pay for it.
Read MoreStrong New Zealand dollar doesn't mean strong New Zealand economy; it just means our interest rates are higher
What we are witnessing is an old fashioned ideological debate, dressed up as economics.
The high dollar and its causes suit people who have a lot of New Zealand-denominated wealth; a lower dollar is better for producers - people who use capital to earn money.
Read MoreIf this was Labour we'd be calling it a mess
National's campaign strategy is starting to look shakey, and it's as much to do with the economy and discipline as Dirty Politics
Read MoreTime running out for Labour
It's now or never for Labour, starting with monetary policy and legal highs
Read MoreThe Government's deficit is not like my credit card debt (this is not a blog about Dotcom)
The economy, thank God, does not resemble my household budget.
Still, National will tell us they have the books in order because they’ve listened to our grandparents' voice of reason: ‘don’t spend more than you earn, and if you get into debt, spend less and save more. Batten down the hatches and wait for the recession to pass.’
The dark side of the rock star economy
Why is there this clamour for a rise in interest rates? Just what are we trying to achieve?
Read MoreHas National fixed the economy yet?
If, like me you've been trying to answer the question - 'Has National fixed the economy yet', I created a web site to analyse the data in detail:
Read MoreThree strikes and you’re out, Fonterra.
This is the third infant formula crisis that Fonterra has been involved with. Time to go.
Read MoreThe Greens have done the right thing
The greens are right to back down on QE. Their critics on the left are wrong to make QE a symbol of progressive orthodoxy.
Read MoreCould Cyprus happen here?
Developed countries like New Zealand can learn from Cyprus; an economy overly dependent on its financial sector rather than the real economy, is vulnerable. And the rule of law exist in our minds as much as it does in laws, courts and banks. It’s like a handshake. If one sides looses faith in the deal, doesn’t matter how many law enforcers you have, the system collapses.
Read MoreA Lange summer spent re-thinking asset sales
There are altenatives to selling off the SOEs, so why not look at some other options?
Read MoreAmerica's ugly, ideological hostage-takers
As the US hurtles towards debt default, there's a growing sense that Tea Party acolytes may well be prepared to deliberately tank the economy if it ensures a one-term Obama and future power for them. It is ugly ideology.
Read MoreViva la vida
At new year, in spring time, and on Anzac Day, my calendar clocks another year, and I resolve to start again, again. This blog is not immune to it: it’s time for a change, because we know everything we need to, about National’s green blues
Read MoreFull of high sentence, but a bit obtuse: 2010, in review
2010 was all about one question: how, exactly, does one balance economic opportunities with environmental responsibilities? It was a 'politic, cautious' year
Read MoreThe gods are not at all pleased with Jim Anderton or Bill English
While the Finance Minister will worry about long-term implications, the earthquake is good news for a lot of New Zealanders facing tough times, especially Bob Parker
Read MoreCan someone explain the crazy property market?
With the housing market so volatile, vendors are girding their loins while buyers are hopelessly confused
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