New Zealand topics, economics & policy

The transition to EVs🍋

EVs are getting popular, but mass take-up faces some big obstacles. What can the past tell us about the possible future?

Apr 20 •

Pricing and fairness on the Milford Track🍋

$92 per night for a hut is too expensive and unfair, says the NZ Herald. But is a lower price any fairer?

Apr 13 •

Economic resilience: the Productivity Commission’s final inquiry🍋

And an agenda for the new Ministry for Regulation

Mar 23 •

and

Land-use restrictions & housing affordability🍋

NZAE Member Survey #9 asked do land-use restrictions reduce housing supply & affordability?

Feb 22 •

Dennis Wesselbaum

Understanding the trends in persistent disadvantage🍋

Overall poverty and material hardship has declined significantly in NZ, which may surprise you

Feb 10 •

A Cook Strait ferry solution🍋

Modern ferry loading technologies & separate ownership trump the 1962 model

Feb 3 •

Wither rail freight in NZ?🍋

A friendly debate between Bryan Crump & Dave Heatley

Jan 20 •

and

The many prices of carbon🍋

Have we failed to properly value emissions? Are subsidies justified?

Jan 4 •

Is a rail link between North & South Islands really "essential"?🍋

And what game has KiwiRail been playing with government finances?

Dec 26, 2023 •

What’s the most productive way to improve NZ’s productivity?🍋

What was the Productivity Commission’s job?

Dec 16, 2023 •

Mary Ellen Gordon

The Productivity Commission and a legacy of unwelcome advice 🍋

Hefty tomes have their place

Dec 9, 2023 •

and

RIP NZ Productivity Commission 2011–23🍋

Why NZ needs a Productivity Commission, but couldn’t sustain one

Dec 2, 2023 •

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