New Zealand’s top job
Being a house is the most attractive job in New Zealand today. If you do not believe me, let me tell you the story of our family home. [...]
New Zealand
An alternative briefing for the next incoming Minister of Finance
This country can once again become prosperous and productive. But only if this is a shared ambition. As the government’s lead economic adviser, it is the Treasury’s ambition to see this through. And as Minister of Finance, it should be yours too. [...]
Why this is the biggest global bailout in history
Enjoy the relatively positive economic data while it lasts. But do not believe for a second it is sustainable. [...]
Let’s keep hoping
To deal with the country's boiling problems requires a different approach to policymaking – one based on sound economics, not just opinion polls. [...]
Shovel-ready or not
Though shovel-ready, current government projects are just as useful as building pyramids, burying banknotes and creating earthquakes. It is not what Keynes had in mind, but it is the best his disciples can come up with these days. [...]
Turning cities into ghost towns
To avoid creating ghost towns, we must find a way of saving lives without destroying the cities they inhabit. [...]
The vexing issue of Damien Grant’s ‘career-ending’ convictions
Should a convicted fraudster be allowed to work as an insolvency practitioner? It ought to depend on how many years have passed since his conviction. [...]
Bordering on policy
It is good to see some policy thinking from the opposition. The Government should engage with these ideas and build on the proposals. It can only improve its border management. [...]
Learning to live with Covid-19?
If the Government does not urgently improve its border handling capacity, there is no point pursuing elimination in New Zealand. We cannot afford to put our largest city into lockdown every few months because the border practices are not virus-tight. [...]
The salt in the soup of democracy
Perhaps the election of Judith Collins to the National leadership does not change her party’s immediate electoral prospects. National is still fighting an uphill battle to unseat an extremely popular Prime Minister. [...]