Labour’s policies
A list of Labour’s announced policies to date and an easy way to compare them to other parties’ policies.
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Reviving
Is Jacinda Ardern’s rise to power evidence of a change of approach to political campaigning by Labour?
Labour’s Auckland Transport announcement
Labour has announced its Auckland Transport policy.
The Democrats and Russia
The Trump presidency appears to be in a death spiral because of the Russia issue. But the Democrats are not taking advantage. Why?
Imagine the world without America
America used to be the most powerful nation in the world. But things are changing.
Why be a public servant?
Today thousands of IRD workers face the prospect of losing their jobs while two MOT workers who lost their jobs for whistle blowing are vindicated. Who would be a public servant?
Waimea a good dam?
The proposed Waimea Dam in Nelson is attracting opposition from the Green Party but support from the Labour Party. Is there such a thing as a good dam project?
The Game
If a Rugby series was an election campaign.
The Good the Bad and the Ugly
Ad asks is the world more secure than a year ago? Is the danger of serious economic crisis higher or lower? Are the institutional arrangements and norms that resolve conflicts and enhance the prospects for international cooperation more or less robust than they were in July 2016.
On winning the America’s Cup
Ad explores the implications of the Americas Cup win for this year’s election.
A proposal for a Remarkables National Park
Federated Mountain Clubs of New Zealand and supported by Forest and Bird have proposed that a new National Park including the Remarkables be created.
New Zealand First
New Zealand First could have a pivotal role in the next Government. What are their principles and what are they committed to?
Should The Left Do Authoritarian Populism Like The Right Does?
What if the left had an authoritarian populist in power and got some stuff done?
Why the America’s Cup is better than Rugby
And now for something completely different. Is the America’s cup a more potent example of New Zealand’s unique place in the world than the Rigby World Cup.
Debt to Income Loan Limits
The possible introduction of debt to income lending ratios will potentially have an enormous effect on New Zealand’s housing market.
Act’s Euthanasia Bill
Following the selection of David Seymour’s private member’s bill euthanasia will be debated this year in Parliament.
The 50th anniversary of the Six Day War
This week marks the anniversary of the Middle East six day war. How have things developed and what can be done to achieve lasting peace?
Eight years to an electric transport world
The pace of change in transportation may mean that some time soon private ownership of petroleum cars may disappear.
A lesson from South Korea
The history of the Korean peninsular suggests that there is more than a remote chance of nuclear war breaking out some time soon.
How to rescue Trump – and make up with Putin
What can the U.S. security collective do to work with their government and achieve something positive with Donald Trump?
The looming battle over property
Housing may be the issue that decides this year’s election. And if Labour wins Andrew Little will have a major crisis to deal with, one that he has to solve.
A lesson from South Korea
South Korea has responded to corruption allegations by electing a new president who plans to dump their equivalent of the SIS and oppressive security laws, greatly tax the wealthy, clean out corruption, and hugely strengthen the public sector.
Macron and Trudeau mean yes for Ardern
The election of Trudeau in Canada and Macron in France suggest that the path to electoral success may be with younger fresh faced and untainted candidates.
The patriotic millionaires
In America a group of millionaires have emerged who are advocating for increased taxation for the wealthy and increased democratic rights to everyone else.
Is the Labour Housing policy even possible?
If Labour wins in September what state infrastructure can it utilise to deliver on its promise to build tens of thousands of affordable homes?
Donald Trump and Florida
The US economy may start unravelling when because of rising sea levels boats in Florida are no longer able to clear canal bridges.
The French Presidential Runoff
The French Presidential run off presents worrying signs for progressives. Why is the electorate sliding to the right?
The first 100 Global Trump days
Donald Trump’s had his first 100 days ruling his big chunk of the world. Things have changed dramatically from Barack Obama’s time.
Reshuffle
Bill English is to announce a cabinet reshuffle today. What should he do?
My five books for Donald Trump
What books should POTUS read during this most religious of times.
Resource Management Act Third Reading
Nick Smith’s RMA reforms are close to being completed. Will his high homes for the reforms be met?
Banks and the Housing Crisis
Because of our our central government’s refusal to build social housing and both NZTA and AT rigorously avoiding urban development integration, the default control of housing supply lies with Australian regulation of New Zealand’s retail banks and their lending.
Avoid big plans and win
To win the 2017 election Labour does not need a broad suite of policies, rather it needs to make sure that it is asking the right questions.
The 60th Anniversary of the European Union
Last week the main heads of the European Union governments got together to celebrate 60 years since the first declaration in Rome. This is a good time to review if it is still fulfilling its original goals.
China is in New Zealand to stay
At a time when the United States is reducing its diplomatic capacity and its willingness to enter into International Treaties New Zealand’s willingness to deal with China places it in an almost unique position in the western world.
Global oil and global decline
Peak oil is being talked again with suggestions that it may be only 5 years away. And Saudi Arabia’s Aramco is thinking of starting to divest itself of its petroleum assets.