Geoff Simmons | Page 3 | The Morgan Foundation

Decriminalising Dope Doable

Geoff SimmonsAugust 15, 2016Health

A new survey out today suggests that a majority of Kiwis, from right across the political spectrum, favour decriminalising cannabis. While this wouldn’t give the same benefits as full legalisation, it would still cut criminal justice costs substantially. Overall this … Read More

Is a Financial Transaction Tax in New Zealand a silver bullet?

Geoff SimmonsAugust 9, 2016Tax and Welfare

Every time we discuss new taxes, people raise the possible alternative of a Financial Transaction Tax in New Zealand. Known by some as a Robin Hood Tax, or a Tobin Tax, the FTT would put a small charge on every … Read More

Guy Standing: How do we help those in risky, low paid jobs in New Zealand?

Geoff SimmonsAugust 8, 2016Tax and Welfare

Some workers in low paid jobs in New Zealand are eyeing up strike action in response to several years of low wage rises. Employers say they can’t afford to pay higher wages. Wage increases have been below 2% for the past four years, … Read More

Wellington City Council cat bylaw a win for the environment

Geoff SimmonsAugust 4, 2016Environment

It has been a bit of a soap opera, but today Wellington City Council agreed to include compulsory microchipping for cats as part of their animal bylaw. This is a massive step forward for both the welfare of cats and … Read More

HomeStart Scheme will not fix houseing affordability

Why the Government’s HomeStart Scheme is Not a Solution to Housing Affordability

Geoff SimmonsAugust 1, 2016Economics

In response to questions about housing affordability on Sunday’s Q&A Nick Smith announced changes to the Kiwisaver HomeStart scheme. He is increasing the income and house price caps for people to qualify for the subsidy. This policy has failed to … Read More

NIMBY Backlash to The Auckland Unitary Plan

Geoff SimmonsJuly 29, 2016Uncategorized

With a residents association representing existing property owners in a leafy suburb threatening legal action, and wealthy residents in the coveted Paritai Drive expressing outrage, the battle lines for the Unitary Plan are drawn. The fact is that the Unitary … Read More

Greens Admit What No Other Politicians Will: NZ House Prices Must Fall

Geoff SimmonsJuly 27, 2016Economics

Metiria Turei dropped a bombshell on today’s Morning Report; the Green Party wants house prices to fall substantially to restore housing affordability. It is encouraging to hear a politician display the courage to tackle this issue. Whether or not the … Read More

Andrew Judd: How the Taranaki Maori ward debate began

Geoff SimmonsJuly 18, 2016Treaty

In May, Andrew Judd announced he wouldn’t be standing for reelection as Mayor of New Plymouth. Mike Hosking caused a media storm by suggesting that if Maori wanted representation they should stand for Council; revealing his complete ignorance about the … Read More

Why German House Prices have been Flat

Geoff SimmonsJuly 12, 2016Economics

Why German House Prices have been Flat The picture below says it all – German house prices have been flat (in real terms) for the past 30 years, while over the same time ours have increased by 150%. This despite … Read More

Three Questions for Labour on their Housing Policy

Geoff SimmonsJuly 11, 2016Economics

Labour’s housing policy hit all the right political notes; more social housing, more affordable housing, a tax-based rap over the knuckles for all those ‘nasty’ investors and of course a ban on foreign buyers. The question is can they deliver? … Read More