Means-Testing Jobseeker Benefits for 18- And 19-Year-Olds
Well-intentioned policies are frequently beaten by the introduction of bad incentives and their outcomes.
NZ Politics
The Greens and Their Idealism
What makes idealists dangerous is when they get frustrated because no one will listen. This, at least to them, justifies using force to make others do what they want, ‘for their own good’.
News Briefing: 26 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET Jonathan Milne (Newsroom): Ministers don’t know the scale of the tax break they’ve signed up to Marc Daalder (Newsroom): Investment Boost: Govt’s ticking fiscal time bomb Bryce Edwards (The Integrity Institute): “Investment Boost” or “Corporate Welfare”? Fran O’Sullivan (Herald)
The Faux Outrage Over Nicola Willis’ Budget Day Dress: A Media Double Standard Exposed
It’s a ridiculous story that exposes the media’s double standards and the fashion industry’s selective support. If the media wants to regain the public’s trust, they’d do well to stop obsessing over what female politicians wear and start focusing on what they do.
Health Research Council Funding Cuts: Reining in the Wombles’ Wasteful Spending
With New Zealand’s books in dire straits, every dollar counts. The government should conduct a full audit of the HRC’s spending and identify projects that fail to deliver real health benefits.
Clowns of the Day
“I’m so glad I bothered to adjourn the debate to allow the Māori Party to be in the House for the budget. Oh wait…” – Bishop
The Normalising of Antisemitism in New Zealand
A society that cannot protect its Jewish citizens (or worse, refuses to hear them) is a society that is failing its most basic commitments to justice, equality, and human dignity.
Good Policy Requires Courage
Where is the party with the courage to set New Zealand on the path to a better future – one where the good of New Zealanders is put first, and where there’s no kowtowing to vested interest groups demanding special privileges.
News Briefing: 23 May 2025
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS Jo Moir (RNZ): Analysis: Finance Minister delivers 'nip and tuck’ Budget Janet Wilson (Post): Winners make gains at the expense of the strugglers (paywalled) Matthew Hooton (Herald): Budget reveals we’re going broke faster than we knew (paywalled) Jamie
‘Chumocracy’ and the Suppression of Prof MacCulloch
NZ needs more people like Robert MacCulloch willing to speak out. But if the price of dissent is this high, how many will choose to do so? His story is a good example of what happens when you dare to speak truth to power in a small country where the elites are all too interconnected.
Budget 2025: RNZ Gets a Trim, But the Media Gravy Train Keeps Chugging
This budget move should serve as a warning shot to every media outlet suckling at the government’s teat. You’re on notice: do your damn job. Report the facts, not your feelings.
News Briefing: Budget Special Edition
Republished with Permission Author: Bryce Edwards BUDGET - SUMMARIES AND ANALYSIS Laura Walters (Newsroom): Budget takes from squeezed middle for growth Lloyd Burr (Stuff): Budget 2025 is a bit bitsy - here are the best bits Luke Malpass (Post): Willis delivers more with less but fiscal risks remain (paywalled) Bridie Witton and
Some People Still Can’t Spot Satire
Satire isn’t just comedy; it’s a form of critical thinking, and if people are falling for the most blatantly exaggerated nonsense, maybe we need to start teaching satire in English classes across the country and make it an NCEA subject before things get even dumber.