Senior citizens are caught in the political cross fire over superannuation affordability (The Press) Senior citizens and how New Zealand pays for their care is something this country avoids talking about. The decision to cancel compulsory superannuation by the Robert Muldoon Government is the worst economic policy in 50 years. A report found that had … Continue reading Senior citizens: How does N.Z. pay for them?
The need for Louise Upston to resign
Louise Upston. The Minister is under pressure to explain her actions A revelation that Ministry of Social Development prematurely suspended thousands of winter energy payments, places more pressure on its struggling Minister. Louise Upston is a member of the conservative wing of the National Party. I am not sure that she specifically adheres to the … Continue reading The need for Louise Upston to resign
Reforming Ministry of Social Development
Ministry of Social Development is in bad need of a complete overhaul (Christel Yardley/Waikato Times) Ministry of Social Development (or as I sometimes call it, Ministry of Social Destruction) is responsible for the implementation of social services and advising the Government on social policy. As it has evolved so have the attitudes of those relying … Continue reading Reforming Ministry of Social Development
Legislation passed under urgency is not N.Z law done well
The New Zealand Parliament, and Beehive (R. Glennie) For years I have watched as successive Governments have passed legislation under urgency in the New Zealand Parliament. In almost all instances, the use of Parliamentary Urgency has not been justified, and this article looks at examples of such behaviour. The most recent example of this is … Continue reading Legislation passed under urgency is not N.Z law done well
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)