The New Zealand Initiative The New Zealand Initiative
-
- News
-
Podcast by The New Zealand Initiative
-
China's Belt and Road Initiative
In this podcast episode, Oliver and Nick discuss their recent report on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its implications for New Zealand.
They caution that while BRI investments could potentially help fund New Zealand's large infrastructure deficit, the country needs to be very careful about engagement to avoid becoming locked into China's geopolitical sphere of influence.
You can find their report "Belt and Road Initiative: Implications for New Zealand" on our website www.nzinitiative.org.nz -
Victoria University's postponed free speech event
In this episode, Oliver Hartwich interviews Dr Michael Johnston about the free speech event at Victoria University that was postponed due to backlash within the university.
They discuss the importance of free speech in liberal democracies, the changing perception of free speech as a partisan issue, and the concerning trend of young people trying to shut down events featuring disagreeable viewpoints. -
Evaluating global polices on safer nicotine
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/ -
Germany's dual education system
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. -
Are councils debt constrained?
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.
-
Education for neurodivergent students
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
Customer Reviews
The art of conversation
Great conversations. Just listened to the Bill English episode. Sensible, pragmatic and wise. He’s very in tune with Kiwis who go along with things until they don’t. Listen to the very end when Sir Bill talks about the use of data and its importance.
These people make sense
They are very pragmatic and to the point. Great podcast for quickly exposing yourself to somewhat unheard, sensible ideas.