Can Parliament agree on making Kiwi superannuation compulsory? (R. Glennie) After decades of nonsense politicking at the cost of hundreds of billions of dollars in superannuation savings, has New Zealand had an attack of common sense? Last week, National made a stunning announcement that I never thought I would hear from the main conservative party … Continue reading An attack of common sense? Significant support for making Kiwi Saver compulsory
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)
To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age
Should it be raised or should it be lowered? The suitability of New Zealand's retirement age has come into question as the Government continues to cut away at the welfare state that has underpinned our socio-economic wellbeing. I personally support keeping it at 65, but with a few caveats to allow flexibility in certain respects. … Continue reading To raise or to lower: The question of N.Z.’s retirement age
Oranga Tamariki a pawn in a larger scandal
Oranga Tamariki has been controversial since it was established in . Some of the acts committed under its guidance have generated deserved criticism. It has been the face of children being uplifted from biological families and placed in foster care. But is O.T. entirely at fault? No. O.T. is simply a pawn in a bigger … Continue reading Oranga Tamariki a pawn in a larger scandal
Cutting funding for disabled people a dystopian move
The Minister for Disabilities, Penny Simmonds yesterday announced that millions of dollars in funding for people with disabilities and their caregivers would be cut off. What did disabled people do to justify having millions of dollars in funding that would have demonstrably helped them and their families get so recklessly cut off? I struggle to … Continue reading Cutting funding for disabled people a dystopian move