Rich-Poor Gulf Hard to Measure

Susan GuthrieTax and Welfare

The gap between rich and poor is an important issue that rarely gets discussed by our economic mandarins. Yes, we’re told (relentlessly) whether or not economic activity is increasing, and how the risks to that activity are large and looming, … Read More

Let’s levy the rider not the motorbike

Gareth MorganUncategorized

Recently ACC architect Sir Owen Woodhouse commented that in moving to full funding in 1999 and ditching pay-as-you-go, the government made a grave mistake with ACC. He cites the 30 per cent loading to annual levies to fund the tail … Read More

Peter Dunne decision win for fluoride and the poor

Jess Berentson-ShawHealth

Peter Dunne’ policies are often overshadowed by his very fine head of hair; and to be fair Associate Minister for Health’s ‘do’ is really quite striking. On this occasion however, we really should be admiring him for the sensible decision … Read More

Of The Times

Gareth MorganPolitics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments That the government’s fiscal policy is off track, no matter what the latest assurances are from the Minister of Finance, could be a source of financial market consternation and lead to an upward … Read More

Cullen and Hewson, Different Planets

Gareth MorganPolitics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments The appointment last week of Michael Cullen as shadow Minister of Finance cements the difference in policy emphasis that New Zealanders are being offered now compared to Australians. Here both parties are into … Read More

Decriminalising Dope Doable

Geoff SimmonsHealth

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

Fiscal Chumps

Gareth MorganPolitics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments December 17 has rolled around again and once more proved to be an exciting date on our annual political economic calendar. Yesterday saw the government acknowledge its fiscal plans for 1991/92 have been … Read More

Balancing Policy

Gareth MorganEconomics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments The last week has seen serious cracks emerge in the government’s ability to continue the reform process. Health Minister Upton demonstrated an inability to effect supply process reform in that industry with his … Read More

The Closest or the Best Healthcare?

Gareth MorganHealth, Tax and Welfare

So Dunedin has been placated, neurosurgery stays in the region (albeit in a ‘learning capacity’). Meanwhile the flip flopping on pediatric oncology in Wellington continues. The inevitable closing of both has been delayed for a little while longer.

Futility of Protectionism: Bye Bye American Pie

Gareth MorganEconomics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments With the US economic recovery hitting air pockets, arch protectionist Ross Perot on the march again, and the US senate throwing marbles under Mr Clinton’s programme of fiscal stimulus, it’s not surprising the … Read More

My views on the 2012 budget

Gareth MorganEconomics

Video Transcript Interviewer: Gareth, the government’s budget is coming up on 24th May and they’ve said it will be their second consecutive budget with no new spending. Is there an argument in times like this for the government to actually be … Read More

Aussie Economic Reform: Cold Feet

Gareth MorganEconomics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments Faced with the prospect of a strong dose of rationalist economics should John Hewson win power in the upcoming election, Australia is getting cold feet. Ever the skilful politician, Paul Keating is enunciating … Read More

Tax As A Social Policy Weapon

Gareth MorganTax and Welfare

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments The idea that the tax system has somehow been reformed to a more neutral structure over recent years, is popular but misconstrued. NZ welfare benefits are equivalent to some of the largest negative … Read More

Interventionist Recidivism

Gareth MorganEconomics

Gareth Morgan, Director of Gareth Morgan Investments The decision to impose a dumping duty on shoes is economic illiteracy at its best. For the purposes of illustration assume the “offending” shoes are being sold here for approximately zero cost. Who’d … Read More