‘Alternative facts’ has been the phrase of the week. President Trump’s attempts to increase the crowd figures at his inauguration demonstrated a new low in post-truth politics. Read more
Public art can be a powerful thing. It can inspire, uplift, and even get us to think introspectively. Read more
Peter Thiel is a world-leading tech investor and a fascinating thinker. Of course NZ was right to make him a citizen. Read more
OPINION: This week, Demographia released their annual housing affordability survey. It has become a sad ritual at the beginning of each year to find out how unaffordable property has become across much of the English-speaking world. Read more
Following the release of the Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, that had Sydney ranking second in the list of world's most unaffordable cities to own a home, Dr Oliver Hartwich discussed the housing crisis on Australia's ABC Radio.
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Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich discusses the results of the 13th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey results - that show Sydney as being second in the list of the world's most unaffordable cities to own a home, and Auckland at fourth.
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A new housing affordability study by Demographia shows: Buying a median house in Sydney is now more costly than in any other world city - with the exception of Hong Kong. Should we celebrate or mourn this fact? Read more
Wellington (23 January 2017): Following this morning’s release of the 13th Annual Demographia International Housing Affordability Survey, The New Zealand Initiative urges the Government to make addressing our housing crisis a top priority in 2017. The survey is a sobering read. Read more
Want to rail against the Global 1% rich-listers? Be a bit careful: if you own a house in Auckland, mortgage-free, you could easily be on that list. Read more
At the beginning of 2017, New Zealand finds itself probably in the best position it has been in for decades. Key figures like economic growth, unemployment and inflation show a country in great shape. Read more
Fisheries management in New Zealand has been resting on its laurels for too long. The Quota Management System was once world-leading. Read more
Over summer, I’ve been disturbed with how many people shamelessly flaunt their inherited assets. These people are born with a certain privilege. Read more
Insights 48/15 Dec: Thank you and happy holidays Insights 47/8 Dec: Kettle of fish | Dismal reading results | Death of binge drinking Insights 46/1 Dec: Breaking the cycle of disadvantage | Future of recreational fisheries | Fairly important Insights 45/24 Nov: Rankings mask weakness | Finding level | Political dramatics Insights 44/17 Nov: FDI liberalisation | Labour and Social Investment | There be clowns here... Insights 43/10 Nov: Analog Regulation, Digital World | A good place for paternalism | Our own House.. Read more
John MacDonald talks with Dr Eric Crampton, head of research at The New Zealand Initiative, on the growing gap between rich and poor in New Zealand. This is after it was revealed that New Zealand's two richest men have more money than 30% of the NZ population. Read more
Eric Crampton is a thin, boyish-looking Canadian who brings an original perspective and even a sense of fun to economic debates, which have not traditionally been a source of great humour. A case in point. Read more