August 2024 – Dr Oliver Hartwich

newly graduated people wearing black academy gowns throwing hats up in the air

‘Career suicide’: the price of dissent in NZ universities

26/08/2024

A report on academic freedom in New Zealand reveals threats from progressive radicalism, Chinese influence, and managerialism, stifling free speech and risking universities’ core purpose and society’s values.

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Return of the rock star

23/08/2024

Comparing the New Zealand economy to a “rock star” is questionable. Well, it depends on which classic rock songs you choose.

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Voter anger threatens to bury Germany’s traditional party-political system

20/08/2024

German state elections in Thuringia, Saxony, and Brandenburg have political significance beyond their size, with potential impact on federal dynamics and foreign policy.

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man in protective suit putting on a face mask beside two other people

Health innovators show a path to better care

16/08/2024

New Zealand’s health system faces challenges of long patient wait times, low productivity, and lack of compassion, however, the 2nd Health Innovators’ Summit offered hopeful solutions.

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Isn’t it time for an Anzac common market?

14/08/2024

The Australia-New Zealand relationship is stagnant despite cultural similarities. In a world of shifting geopolitics, deeper integration is needed for economic and security reasons.

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empty shopping cart on yellow background

The curious case of competition law and Foodstuffs

08/08/2024

The New Zealand grocery sector is facing regulatory scrutiny as Foodstuffs seeks to unify its operations. But does competition law really make much sense in dynamic markets?

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Dictators conspire: Oil, assassins, exploitation

06/08/2024

The recent prisoner exchange involving Russia, Belarus, and Western nations illuminates modern autocracies’ collaboration. Anne Applebaum’s book “Autocracy, Inc.” explores these interconnected challenges.

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The chameleon party

02/08/2024

The Green Party’s evolving stance on the waka-jumping law, from opposition to support and now potential use, showcases remarkable political flexibility and adaptation.

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Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

Month: August 2024