Tune into this riveting podcast for a deep-dive into the world of urban planning and infrastructure development in New Zealand!

Chief economist Eric Crampton is joined by the Infrastructure Commission’s Nadine Dodge and Peter Nunns to grapple with the complex yet fascinating concept of corridor protection and how foresight is essential to avoid future urban development headaches. Be ready to learn about the unexpected areas impacted by planning, including schools, transportation, and even supermarkets. Hear about how inadequate planning can spiral into manifold issues including overcrowded schools and insufficient facilities for growing communities.

They also explore the intriguing potential of flexible zoning to foster competition. Plus, there's a thought-provoking discussion on the proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development, and the potential implications this could have. This conversation underlines the critical importance of proactive, wide-ranging urban planning to accommodate future population growth and evolving community needs. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!

Podcast: Planning urban futures

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: Planning urban futures

The New Zealand Initiative

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