Interest.co.nz

Questionable questions

It is the right of the opposition to hold the government to account. That much is out of question. But opposition MPs flooding the Government with requests for bits and pieces of meaningless information is more questionable. [...]

Top 10

On capitalism by another name, explaining Trump, the perils of health hype, understanding inequality, Brexit's language barrier, Ikea economics and more. [...]

Friday’s Top 10

Reflections on going to France if you want to work less, Don Brash's take on monetary policy when inflation won't budge, the economics of love, Vietnam's openness to the free market & more. [...]

Free tertiary education: Some personal reflections

Of course, Labour is right that in a fast-changing labour market, qualifications are important and that education policy should enable New Zealanders to participate in the ‘future of work’. With its proposal to make three years of tertiary education free for all, I just don’t think Labour will get us anywhere nearer that goal. [...]

Friday’s Top 10

In this Friday's Top 10, everything you need to know about the new global economic crisis - and what Donald Trump has to do with it. [...]

Defending social bonds

Social bonds, contrary to what their critics believe, are an exciting addition to social services. [...]

Time to take action on OECD recommendations

Many of the OECD’s recommendations for New Zealand are textbook economics advice. It is time to implement them. [...]

How to build rational building expectations?

The best we can do about Auckland’s housing shortage apart from building more houses is to establish a rational expectation that houses will be built in the future. [...]

Friday’s Top 10

Our dangerous spreadsheet culture, new Greek demands, things too small to regulate and advice on putting spin on your life: That was the week that was. [...]

Location, Location, Location

I am not from Auckland, nor can I claim to be an expert on port operations, but I cannot help but wonder whether instead of talking about an extension of the port we should be talking about an entirely different question: Is the Port of Auckland really in the right spot? [...]