On 16 April 2015, MPs Chris Bishop, James Shaw and Dr David Clark debated the case for economic growth at a panel discussion event held by The New Zealand Initiative in Wellington. The event publicised the Initiative's report 'The Case for Economic Growth'. Read more
Khyaati Acharya discusses modern feminism on the Paul Henry Show on 15 April 2015. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich appeared on Australia's ABC News on 14 April 2015 to discuss near parity between the Australian and New Zealand dollars, and the possibility of a trans-Tasman currency. Read more
The idea of a currency union with New Zealand is a perennial talking point, and with the kiwi dollar drawing close to parity with the Australian dollar it might seem like there’s never been a better time. However, as Sheryle Bagwell discovers, there’s not much appetite for an Anzac dollar across the Tasman. Read more
The #eFairnessNZ campaign says it wants to level the playing field between imported goods and those bought domestically by New Zealand consumers. Because it costs more to collect the tax on lower valued goods than the tax revenues are worth, GST is not charged on imported products valued at less than $400. Read more
Sometimes, it takes a Labour leader to point out the deadweight costs of taxation. And so there is a lot to like in Andrew Little’s economic policy statement. Read more
With two-fifths of the country caught in the grips of it, and the rest watching with a mix of awe, jealousy and sheer horror, it is easy to forget that Auckland’s housing market is more than an exciting exhibition. Figures like those released by Barfoot & Thompson this week do little to dispel the perception that housing in the country’s biggest city is anything but a fantastic spectacle, with March sales setting new records across a range of measures. Read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s surprise decision not to cut interest rates only postponed the expected 'parity party' between the Kiwi and the Aussie dollars. The way things are going, it is a matter of time until both currencies are of equal value. Read more
The Reserve Bank of Australia’s surprise decision not to cut interest rates only postponed the expected “parity party” between the Kiwi and the Aussie dollars. The way things are going, it is a matter of time until both currencies are of equal value. Read more
It has long been a slight coup of environmentalists that one of the West’s most formidable and iconic Conservatives, Margaret Thatcher, was deeply concerned about striking the balance between economic growth and climate change. As a recent example, take Club of Rome member Ian Dunlop’s comments in the Sydney Morning Herald. Read more
A few things puzzle me in the rights-holders' cease and desist letter to New Zealand ISPs offering "Global Mode" services. That's likely because I am not a lawyer. Read more
Since March 30, former Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke has been blogging on economic policy for the Brookings Institution, where he is a Distinguished Fellow in Residence. His first posts dealt with questions such as why interest rates were so low, the thesis of a ‘secular stagnation’ and the global savings glut. Read more
Should it be illegal to be a bit of a jerk? While all but the most tragic of politics aficionados watched the Black Caps grind through a cliffhanger semifinal win against South Africa rather than watching Parliament TV, the Harmful Digital Communications Bill passed its second reading. Read more