Valuing debate
Pluralism of opinion is the defining characteristic of a liberal democracy. The ability to form one’s views independently and to express them freely is at the heart of our political processes. [...]
Insights
‘Insights’ is the weekly newsletter of The New Zealand Initiative. Every Friday it provides comment pieces on domestic and global policy issues and the state of the world as such. It is a newsletter serious enough for a think tank – and lighthearted enough for an enjoyable Friday afternoon read. Please subscribe to ‘Insights’ by visiting the website of The New Zealand Initiative: www.nzinitiative.org.nz
Olympic forecasting and women’s rights
Countries where men and women have equal rights and opportunities do better at the Olympics. By contrast, women's sports potential has not been fully utilised in countries that systematically disadvantage its female population. [...]
Postgrad internships an education gimmick
It is laudable to have a government committed to improving education. Let’s not tarnish the goal with a $2.1 million gimmick. [...]
Stock markets are human too – especially when the footy is on
By better synchronising important sports events with the publication of relevant market data or new policy announcements, it seems many a stock market meltdown could be averted. [...]
Who is open for business?
It is odd that foreigners buying shares in energy companies excites kiwis so much. How many countries have a similarly emotional relationship with their utilities? [...]
Fix the super roof while the sun is still shining
Far, far from the troubles at the home front, Prime Minister John Key was visibly enjoying the military honours and his joint press conference with Chancellor Angela Merkel on his visit to Berlin last week. A better use of his time would have been studying the effects of delaying superannuation reforms. [...]
Aristotle in Dunedin
Aristotle was right. A great city does not need a big population. It can even be as small as Dunedin’s. But every great city needs a population that is passionate about itself, ambitious for its future, and optimistic about its outlook. [...]