In this thought-provoking episode, the Initiative’s economists – Dr Oliver Hartwich, Dr Eric Crampton, Dr Tony Burton, and Dr Bryce Wilkinson – dive into the debate over whether Australia is a better option for skilled talent.
 
They discuss the current challenges faced by New Zealand in terms of health, education, and infrastructure, and how the nation's performance is deteriorating relative to Australia. With both countries vying for the best talent, the experts analyse the impact of increased public spending without seeing significant benefits in crucial areas. They also address the unaffordable housing crisis and the role of central and local governments in land use planning. Finally, they explore the pathway to citizenship for Kiwis in Australia and debate whether the government is the solution or the problem. Join us for a riveting conversation that will leave you questioning where you'd rather be.

Podcast: Australia vs. New Zealand: Where to Thrive?

Oliver and Matthew discuss NZ's infrastructure deficit, delivery and management which was the subject of Matthew's last column in the NZ Herald "Deficit obsession ignores abysmal state of Kiwi infrastructure delivery". 

You can read Matthew's article here: https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/deficit-obsession-ignores-abysmal-state-of-kiwi-infrastructure-delivery

New Zealand's infrastructure deficit

In this episode, Oliver has a conversation with a special guest Viktor Vavricka, the Swiss ambassador to New Zealand. They have a wide-ranging discussion about localism from a Swiss perspective.

Localism: A Swiss perspective

In this episode, Oliver talks to our new Senior Fellow, Economics and Advocacy, Nick Clark. This week he has released a new policy point called "Fast-Track Approvals Bill" which they talk about in this episode. They also talk about what Nick is looking forward to working on.

To read Nick's policy point visit our website: https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/policy-point-fast-track-approvals-bill/

Fast-Track Approvals Bill

New Zealanders have been spending a lot more overseas than we have been earning overseas, yet our balance does not move in the same direction nearly as much.

Oliver talks to Bryce about his latest research note "The mystery of the $52 billion gift: Does New Zealand have a fairy godmother?".

To read his research note, find it on our website https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz

New Zealand's fairy godmother

Research Fellow Max Salmon discusses his new report 'Cabinet Congestion' with Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich. Max explains how complicated political decision-making is in New Zealand's political system - and how it could be better.

New Zealand's a-maze-ing government structure

In this episode, Michael talks to Holly Gooch and Izzy Bremner, from The Hyphen Project, about what it might be like for people who are perhaps not considered the "norm" in our large school system.

They talk about The Hyphen Project, which is a talent incubator for 16-19 year olds who are talented, neurodivergent and have not gotten on well with the mainstream education system.

For more information on The Hyphen Project, please visit www.thehyphenproject.org

For more information about The New Zealand Initiative, please visit www.nzinitiative.org.nz

Education for neurodivergent students

In this episode, Eric and Nick talk to Peter Nunns and Graham Campbell from New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Te Waihanga. They discuss council debt and infrastructure funding and financing.

Are councils debt constrained?

Oliver and Michael talk about Germany's dual education system with Rachel Simpson, Manager for Education, Skills and Immigration at Business NZ.

Recently, Michael and Rachel were on a business delegation to Germany to find out about their dual education system first-hand.

In this episode, they discuss what this system looks like in Germany, what makes it successful and what might be stopping us from doing it here in NZ.

Germany's dual education system

In this episode, Eric Crampton talks to Frederico Fernández, Founder and CEO of We Are Innovation, about their recent global index ranking countries' policies on safer nicotine alternatives. 

They explore how allowing access to options like vaping, snus and heated tobacco can drive down smoking rates more effectively than traditional tobacco control measures alone.

Additional links:
• We Are Innovation https://weareinnovation.global/ 

• The Health of the State https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/reports/the-health-of-the-state/

• Smoke and Vapour: The Changing World of Tobacco Harm Reduction https://www.nzinitiative.org.nz/reports-and-media/reports/smoke-and-vapour-the-changing-world-of-tobacco-harm-reduction/

Podcast: Australia vs. New Zealand: Where to Thrive?

The New Zealand Initiative

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