Will New Zealand Botch the Next Opportunity to Boost Productivity?
New Zealand is the last country in the OECD to release its National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, and is falling behind other small, advanced countries. Our government plans to spend $70 million over the next seven years, compared to $ $1.4 billion by Singapore. We will miss the opportunity to catch up with other rich countries unless we change course dramatically. Will we Botch the Next Opportunity to Boost Productivity?
Aging Populations – Time to Act, not Panic Stations
Lord Adair Turner, the Chair of the UK’s Energy Transition Authority, argues that we should welcome the declining fertility as the natural outcome of economic progress and women’s freedom to choose, not a looming crisis. It’s time to act, not panic.
Aging Populations – Time to Act, not Panic Stations
Act Now to Save Our Struggling Towns!
Our regional communities are fighting for survival and face bleak prospects following the closure of factories and mills. Paul Collier, Professor of Economics at the University of Oxford, argues that such places spiral down unless there is timely intervention. Regional development banks of which, perhaps the best example is KfW, which led the development of East Germany, raising East Germany’s GDP per capita from 20% of West Germany’s at reunification to 85% today. It’s morally wrong to disregard these communities in times of distress and leave them vulnerable to the perils of despair, addictions and populism. A regional development bank will be an ideal permanent solution. Act Now to Save Our Struggling Towns!
Prosperity Requires Lifting Everyone
Image courtesy of Interaction Institute for Social Change Artist: Angus Maguire
Public Services Minister Judith Collins introduced legislation in August to remove diversity requirements for public service recruitment. Shouldn’t the disadvantaged starting the race of life fifty meters behind the rest, running against strong headwinds, fighting an uphill battle, deserve a leg up? A fair go in New Zealand? Prosperity Requires Lifting Everyone
Scandinavian Dreams and Not Taxing the Rich
Higher Taxes are inevitable due to rising superannuation, healthcare, education and defence expenditure.We must confront reality: the cost of essential services will rise, and higher investments are critical to boost our productivity.Unlike most rich countries, we don’t have capital gains, wealth or inheritance taxes.Is there now any excuse for taxing the richest in the land at 9%? Scandinavian Dreams and Not Taxing the Rich
Electricity Companies We Own Are Failing Us
Energy costs are rising in New Zealand, crippling our industries and hurting our people. Three out of the four largest electricity companies are majority state-owned. They must act with national interest and not price-gouging quasi-monopolies.
Electricity Companies We Own Set Up to Fail Us
