Nothing to see here, folks. Just a $400 million Boeing 747 from a foreign monarchy — accepted by the US Department of Defense for presidential use, then slated for retirement on the tarmac in full flight readiness at the future former president’s pleasure. Read more
Dr Bryce Wilkinson talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the Regulatory Standards Bill, explaining why the legislation is necessary despite seeming redundant. Dr Wilkinson argued that the bill elevates essential regulatory principles to a higher statutory status, ensuring government accountability and protecting individual rights by providing a check against potentially oppressive legislation. Read more
As this edition of Quadrant reaches readers, I shall be making final preparations for The New Zealand Initiative’s fourth international business delegation. In late June, we will take more than three dozen senior New Zealand business leaders to the Netherlands. Read more
This week, the hotly-contested Regulatory Standards Bill was introduced to Parliament. Vocal critics claim that the Bill improperly elevates selected legal and constitutional principles. Read more
This week’s budget projected no return to balanced books. It is difficult to see how recent budgets from National and Labour comply with the Public Finance Act’s fiscal responsibility provisions. Read more
Like most of the developed world, we in New Zealand live – we like to think – in a representative democracy. Rather than directly voting on issues, we vote for politicians who represent us in Parliament and in local councils. Read more
On Tuesday morning, I attended a breakfast in New Zealand’s Parliament. The latest report from NZIER, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, to Xero, the online accounting software company, “Going Digital in 2025,” was unveiled. Read more
Last week, the University of Otago came out with its new statement on institutional neutrality – a statement that was not only new, but that also forged a bold new approach to the whole concept of neutrality. Institutional neutrality, the statement declares, ‘means that University leaders will not communicate institutional positions on controversial political topics except where such issues directly impact the University’s role or functions.’ So far, so neutral – and nothing much that’s new. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to John Campbell on 1News Q+A Budget Special 2025 describing the Budget as "underwhelming" in terms of economic growth and fiscal consolidation. While noting some positive aspects like targeted spending and accelerated depreciation, Dr Crampton highlighted that government spending remains high and surplus projections are weak, even by the end of the forecast window. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about Budget 2025, providing a critical analysis of the government's fiscal approach. He highlighted concerns about the structural deficit, KiwiSaver contributions, and potential fiscal risks, noting that the budget's overall spending remains similar to the previous Labour government's approach. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton was featured in RNZ's news segment about the upcoming budget and the government's structural deficit. Dr Crampton emphasised the need to reduce government spending back to pre-COVID levels, warning that current budget trends could pose challenges for managing future economic pressures like an ageing population. Read more
In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick Clark about how artificial intelligence could help local government councillors make better decisions. They discuss how AI tools can help councillors understand complex reports, identify key issues, and formulate intelligent questions, ultimately empowering elected representatives who are often overwhelmed by technical information outside their expertise. Read more
The government is impatient for change in grocery retail. Minister Willis put supermarkets on notice that they may even be broken up if they do not put forward acceptable proposals. Read more
Two weeks ago, I suggested a treaty ending international film subsidies. Government funding for local cultural content can be defensible. Read more
New medicines are slow to be authorised for the New Zealand market. Even if a medicine has already been approved by many other trustworthy overseas regulators like those in Canada, the UK, Australia, and the EU, Medsafe can take a very long time to evaluate a medicine. Read more