There are many pressing problems facing New Zealand, but none more urgent than the decay of our once great education system. For more than two decades, the literacy and numeracy achievement of our young people has been declining. The downward trend is clear, in both our national monitoring data and international tests like PISA. We have an appalling truancy problem, and our teachers are unsupported and undervalued.

In this week’s podcast, Oliver Hartwich and Michael Johnston discuss the Initiative’s education manifesto Save our Schools: Solutions for New Zealand’s Education Crisis. This manifesto draws on the body of research compiled at The New Zealand Initiative over the past decade to bring together a coherent plan to improve our education system, and to restore it to a place of international excellence.

Podcast: Save our Schools - New Zealand's Education Crisis

In this podcast episode, the Initiative’s chief economist Eric Crampton is joined by OliverShaw Principal, Robin Oliver, to discuss new independent research which shows that high-wealth individuals pay more tax on average and represent a higher proportion of the total tax take than may previously have been thought.

It has been strongly suggested that, in practice, New Zealand’s income tax regime is not as fair as statutory tax rates would suggest. However, no reliable data exists to support this claim. Leading tax consultancy OliverShaw commissioned Australasian consulting firm, Sapere Research Group, to prepare a report on the effective rates of tax that New Zealand’s tax and benefit systems impose on the incomes of its residents.

Podcast: Average Effective Tax Rates

The Initiative team has welcomed a new addition to their team with the appointment of Tony Burton as a Research Fellow.

Tony has a PhD in economics and philosophy from the University of East Anglia researching game theory and choice under uncertainty. After the purity of academic research, he opted for the world of policy, first at the UK Ministry of Health, then in New Zealand at the Ministry of Social Development and Treasury where he was formerly Deputy Chief Economist. Tony’s work for the Initiative will focus on public service and reform.

Podcast: Tony Burton joins the team

Learning is a central pursuit of the education system. It is essential that educators understand key elements of the science of human learning and how to apply them in the classroom. 

In this podcast episode, Michael Johnston is joined by Lloyd Gutteridge, author and senior lecturer at Auckland University of Technology in the Business, Economics and Law Faculty. They discussed the importance of prior knowledge in learning and the risks of too much edutainment in teaching. They also discussed gaps in the New Zealand curriculum and the science of learning, including cognitive load theory.

Podcast: The science of learning

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?

Welcome to the New Zealand Initiative podcast! In this episode, Michael Johnston has a fascinating conversation with Bali Haque, an experienced educator who has held various roles in the education sector. Bali is a well-respected educator, having worked as a teacher, principal, and national education agency executive in New Zealand.

This engaging discussion delves into Bali's experiences as Deputy Chief Executive at NZQA, particularly focusing on the reforms to NCEA he oversaw. 

Bali shares his insights into the cultural and ideological dynamics of the education sector, highlighting the tension between formative and summative assessment and the challenge of maintaining credibility in the face of public expectations. 

Join us for an insightful conversation as we explore the complexities of education reform and the ongoing quest for an effective and credible education system in New Zealand.

Podcast: NCEA and the school curriculum

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

Join us on a fascinating journey, chugging through the intricate past, present, and future of rail transport in New Zealand.
 
Chief economist Eric Crampton is once again joined by Client Service Lead for Milestone Solutions, Scott Wilson, to dig deep into the ownership structures and incentives that have guided the development of New Zealand's rail system. They explore the government's role in rail transport funding and provide critical insights into how this influences the nation's overall transport landscape.
 
Whether you're a rail enthusiast, history buff, economic aficionado, or a curious listener, this episode promises a treasure trove of insights. Buckle up for an unforgettable ride across the history of New Zealand rail, one track at a time.

Podcast: Rail transport funding

Welcome to the New Zealand Initiative podcast! This week's episode presents a dialogue between Dr Michael Johnston and the renowned Professor Gary Hawke. Together, they journey through the evolution of teacher training in New Zealand, tracing the intriguing pathway from the independent training colleges to their subsequent unification with universities.

This compelling dialogue illuminates the preparations that shape our educators for their vital roles. Listen now to understanding the past, present, and future of New Zealand's teacher training.

Podcast: Teacher training

New Zealand is globally known as a rich tapestry of cultures, but what does that really mean on the ground and how does it shape the world of business and innovation? It's not just about customs and conventions that we can observe and learn. National culture is much more profound; it's hardwired into our brains, influencing our thoughts and behaviours.

Yet, as globalisation gains momentum and New Zealand’s multicultural fabric grows denser, the probability of intercultural misunderstandings, tensions, and conflicts also increases.

To explore how we navigate this delicate balance, Oliver Hartwich is joined by management consultant Tony Smale to discuss how we can leverage our national culture to boost innovation and enhance business performance.

Podcast: Culture & Economics

Businesses typically avoid taking a stance on contentious political matters, particularly during election campaigns, and that is what makes this week’s media release from Foodstuffs North Island quite remarkable.
 
In this week’s podcast, Oliver Hartwich is joined by Chris Quin, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island, to delve into the pressing issue of escalating retail crime and lawlessness in New Zealand. They discuss the effect this having on the safety of frontline staff, their owner/operators and their customers. They also discuss possible solutions and the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to effectively tackle crime, highlighting the limitations of simplistic solutions such as fog cannon subsidies.

Podcast: Save our Schools - New Zealand's Education Crisis

The New Zealand Initiative

Related tracks