Rachel Hodder was a Research Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative from 2016 to 2017. She holds a PhD in economics from the University of Canterbury where she previously lectured courses in game theory, econometrics, and labour economics.
Rachel co-authored our immigration report, The New New Zealanders.
It was an odd sense of déjà vu this week as someone who lived in Christchurch until recently. The earthquake was hugely destructive and distressing for many. Read more
The issue of what to do with the 74,000 young New Zealanders who are not in employment, education or training (NEETs) is a tricky one. Labour correctly pointed out in its conference how difficult and despairing it can be for young people in this situation and what a waste this represents to society. Read more
A motto I live by is to hope for the best but expect the worst. As such, I was disappointed but not surprised to hear immigration minister Michael Woodhouse announce this week that the government is getting tougher on immigration policy. Read more
Departing MP Kevin Hague’s valedictory speech this week offered us this astute insight: "The economy is not some force of nature. It is a collection of tools that we can re-engineer to help us meet social goals." It is such a shame so few politicians view the economy in this way. Read more
I have a confession to make…I may be an illegal alien in Wellington. I never got official permission to move here. Read more
Before making an important decision it is a good idea to take a deep breath and count to ten. Policy decisions should be the same. Read more