Geoff Simmons | Page 12 | The Morgan Foundation

Dealing with the end of life is in the “Too Hard Basket”

Geoff SimmonsJune 8, 2015Health

Sadly Wellington woman Lecretia Seales died after finding out she was not successful in court, having spent her last days challenging our euthanasia laws. She wanted her GP to assist her death when she chooses, without getting prosecuted after the … Read More

We need to talk about Climate Change

Geoff SimmonsJune 3, 2015Environment

Dealing with climate change is difficult, there is no denying that. Thankfully as a nation we have moved past denying climate change itself. Now we are debating the best way to deal with it. That much is progress. The contributors … Read More

Bill English’s Budget illustrates complexity in welfare system

Geoff SimmonsMay 21, 2015Tax and Welfare

Budget 2015 has been touted as a package for the poor. And it certainly delivers them more money. However, it gives with one hand and takes away with the other, revealing the confusing and perverse nature of our welfare system. … Read More

Health Sector Needs More User Pays, Less Nanny State

Geoff SimmonsApril 27, 2015Health

Some people label ideas like a junk food tax as ‘nanny state’, but ultimately such soundbites are overly simplistic, because we already have a situation where the state interferes in our lives. Are unhealthy people such as smokers or people … Read More

Reserve Bank throws another pail of water on house price inferno

Geoff SimmonsMarch 10, 2015Economics, Property

The Reserve Bank, faced with soaring Auckland house prices and low inflation, is getting creative. They are looking at making it harder for investors to borrow the money needed to buy rental properties. So at least the RB accepts the … Read More

Why we haven’t talked about the TPPA

Geoff SimmonsMarch 4, 2015Economics

The Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is probably the most talked about economic issue of the year, apart from our age-old favourite – housing. Today the TPPA will even be the focus of protest marches around the country. As many … Read More

Time to talk about real food, not nutrients

Geoff SimmonsFebruary 16, 2015Health

The debate over whether cholesterol and saturated fat or sugar and refined carbohydrates are the greatest dietary evil has once again raised its ugly head. These arguments between nutritionists leave people confused in their quest for a longer, healthier life. … Read More

Farmers should be no exception in surveillance society

Geoff SimmonsFebruary 11, 2015Economics

On Campbell Live last night we saw a shocking example of two dairy farmers flouting the rules and polluting our waterways with effluent. Thanks to the brave farm hands who dobbed in their bosses, they are rightly having the book … Read More

Water trading rights a major tool for solving our freshwater problems

Geoff SimmonsFebruary 8, 2015Environment

At Waitangi Andrew Little plunged into the freshwater debate, and quickly waded into trouble. Exclaiming that water must not be traded as a commodity makes for a neat sound bite, but doesn’t stand up to scrutiny, much like John Key’s … Read More

Ten Types of People Who Would be Better Off with an Unconditional Basic Income

Geoff SimmonsJanuary 20, 2015Tax and Welfare

Yesterday we saw why our current benefit system is broken. Instead of our complex, bureaucratic welfare system that stigmatizes the worst off people in our society, we think every adult in our country should receive an unconditional basic income. New … Read More