The Dominion Post
Left faces ongoing struggle to find a point of difference
Social democracy has won – and that’s its main problem. So what’s left for Labour?
The Dominion Post
The Dominion Post
Culture of co-operation makes more sense than amalgamation
By amalgamating all Wellington councils, there are few efficiencies to gain but a lot of local autonomy and diversity to lose. To realise some limited network effects, we should encourage better co-operation between neighbouring councils – without forcing them to merge.
The Dominion Post
Let’s get to know the neighbours – they’re having an economic party
Instead of interacting across borders, why can’t we withdraw and enjoy the safety of home? Why risk becoming ‘‘tenants in our own country’’ for dubious benefits derived from foreign direct investment?
The Dominion Post
Left vs. right? That’s really so 18th century
Arguably, the messiness of the modern world seldom lends itself to easy characterisations. Though it would be nice to abbreviate topical debates, the Left-right dichotomy only gets you so far. Not least because what is Left and what Right changes over time.
The Dominion Post
Question time on whether NZ needs to reinstate an upper house
MMP has, in some ways, proved to be the worst of all worlds. It was meant to provide consensual decision-making, prevent an outright parliamentary majority pulling away from the will of voters and, thus, make Parliament representative. It was also meant to provide different local and national representation, and the proportional element was supposed to increase diversity within Parliament.