A socially unbalanced Budget
The Budget last week was, as expected, an election year Budget. Many low and middle income families will welcome the relief of some extra money… Read More »A socially unbalanced Budget
Economic Bulletin
Budgeting for People’s Needs
On 25 May, the Government will announce its last Budget before the election. Budgets are always political statements whose facts are difficult to spot amid… Read More »Budgeting for People’s Needs
Is New Zealand Superannuation affordable?
The age of eligibility to receive New Zealand Superannuation is again being challenged. The usual reason given for raising the age of eligibility is affordability… Read More »Is New Zealand Superannuation affordable?
Could we have a people-friendly globalisation?
With the Transpacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in its death throes, it is time to think about what a good alternative – and what people-friendly globalisation… Read More »Could we have a people-friendly globalisation?
The year ahead – more guesswork than usual
Looking ahead for the year is always educated guesswork, but this year it is more guesswork than educated. That’s because of some very big unknowns:… Read More »The year ahead – more guesswork than usual
Prices are an inequality issue
We most often think about inequality in terms of income or wealth, but what if some people also experience the cost of living differently? What… Read More »Prices are an inequality issue
The Union Pay Premium
In August, the Centre for Labour, Employment and Work (CLEW) at Victoria University released their annual analysis of collective employment agreements (CEAs). It shows again… Read More »The Union Pay Premium
Has Unemployment Really Fallen That Much?
Some of our most important labour statistics such as on unemployment are measured by Statistics New Zealand in a three-monthly survey of 16,000 households, the… Read More »Has Unemployment Really Fallen That Much?
Effective Collective Bargaining: Lessons from Europe
You may have noticed there was no July Bulletin. I was in Europe, mainly on holiday, but also talking to experts on collective bargaining in… Read More »Effective Collective Bargaining: Lessons from Europe
90-day Trials: What Does the Research Tell Us?
The Government is in denial over the failure of the 90-day trials. New research commissioned by Treasury found that it did not increase employment or… Read More »90-day Trials: What Does the Research Tell Us?
The Budget: Ratings Agencies Should Be Pleased
The Budget wasn’t boring – it was a failure of a Government’s responsibility to New Zealanders. Its focus was on balancing the books and reducing… Read More »The Budget: Ratings Agencies Should Be Pleased
What’s Going to Be in The Budget
The Government’s Budget for 2016 is on 26 May. What’s likely to be in it, and what should be? The ‘Operating Allowance’ for new operational… Read More »What’s Going to Be in The Budget