New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)

When National Party leader Robert Muldoon was elected Prime Minister in 1975, he made a decision (not Think Big - more on that another time) that should bother every economist in New Zealand to this day. He abolished the compulsory contributory New Zealand Superannuation scheme. 50 years later, the decision to abolish that scheme is … Continue reading New Zealand superannuation’s $625 billion mistake (and other consequences)

The New Zealand General Election is NOT “in the bag”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon (David Unwin). A truly astonishing thing to have happen occurred earlier this week, when Prime Minister Christopher Luxon went on Newstalk Z.B. Whilst talking to host, Mike Hosking, an avowed National supporter, he made two incredible claims: That he is a better Prime Minister than he was at the start of … Continue reading The New Zealand General Election is NOT “in the bag”

Labour doing nothing to improve their election prospects

Labour leader Chris Hipkins (Credit: Office of Governor General 25/01/23) New Zealand is coming to the half way point of this political term. The Deputy Prime Ministership of David Seymour starts in a few weeks. And the Leader of the Labour Party has just made one of the most delusional statements I have seen in … Continue reading Labour doing nothing to improve their election prospects

Worsening global politics – and their players – do nothing for N.Z.

Around the world - for any number of reasons - tensions are rising. Bigger nations are becoming more and more belligerent. Medium size nations are increasing defence spending and philosophically digging in. For New Zealand, a nation that grew strong on the rules based order, this is a worrying sign. Like it or not, New … Continue reading Worsening global politics – and their players – do nothing for N.Z.