The New Zealand Initiative The New Zealand Initiative
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Podcast by The New Zealand Initiative
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Murray Horn and New Zealand's fiscal challenges
In this episode, Oliver talks to Dr Murray Horn, former Secretary of the New Zealand Treasury and former CEO of ANZ.
They talk about the fiscal challenges facing the new government as it prepares its first budget amidst high inflation, recession, and mounting debt.
Murray provides his expert perspective on what reforms are needed to control spending and put New Zealand's fiscal framework on a more sustainable trajectory, advocating for a focus on results, strengthened fiscal responsibility principles, public service leadership changes, clarified priorities, and improved service delivery. -
John Morris and the state of NZ's education system
In this episode, Oliver talks to John Morris, ONZM, an educator and a former footballer who represented NZ on an international level. They discuss the decline of New Zealand's school system in recent decades and the difficulties in reforming it. With the right changes, New Zealand's education could be turned around in the coming years.
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Protecting free speech in UK universities
In this podcast episode, James talks Professor Abhishek Saha about the state of academic freedom and free speech in UK universities.
They discuss the newly passed Higher Education Freedom of Speech Act, its key provisions, and its potential impact on protecting the right of academics and students to express diverse viewpoints without fear of censorship or repercussions. -
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/
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.