I have been privileged enough to make a once in a lifetime trip to Antarctica, twice. In 2008 I went to Antarctica with a group of mates on a voyage that opened my eyes to the wonder of the area … Read More
As we come up to the launch of the Our South Books, exhibitions and talks. I thought it would be useful to recap some of the key points about why New Zealand’s southern region is so important. 15 facts you … Read More
Forest and Bird Keynote Speech – June 16th America’s best Idea is commonly regarded and promoted as the establishment of the world’s first National Park, Yellowstone, 140 years ago in 1872. Go there, see how good the Americans are at … Read More
The other day Peter asked me a question on Facebook about kiwi values and we then went on to talk about the difference between equal opportunity and equality of outcomes. Here is the conversation below… How would you define our … Read More
Now the government has conceded that families providing care for their disabled members deserve the same pay for the work as outside contractors, albeit there will be no back pay for those who haven’t already lodged a claim, the barn … Read More
The IMF reckons the high debt levels our households face remain a barrier to economic growth. The Minister of Finance has responded to this by saying reducing government debt is the appropriate policy. New Zealand government blowing best chance for … Read More
There’s a bill in front of Parliament that advocates local councils be given the job of allocating gaming proceeds and deciding the location and number of machines in their area. The argument is that councillors are the right folk to … Read More
Originally published on stuff.co.nz…. Some of New Zealand’s top thinkers are gathering this week to advance Sir Paul Callaghan’s vision of making New Zealand “a place where talent wants to live”. Our Future. Our environment – By 2022, New Zealand must… was … Read More
It was a nothing budget and that’s precisely what’s needed – at least insofar as government spend, revenue and balance is concerned. If taxes had been raised significantly then austerity would have risked a recession; if spending had been ramped … Read More
The recent Appeal Court ruling about payments to families who provide home-based care for their disabled family members confirms that New Zealand social policies – not just health but early childcare and welfare benefits too – are discriminatory and a … Read More