It all began with a selfie. Four beaming politicians captured their own optimism in the late German autumn of 2021. Read more
Some Australian scandals never get the New Zealand coverage they deserve — which is a shame, as they can tell us much about our neighbours. Qantas’s Chairman’s Lounge debacle is a case in point. Read more
In this episode, marking the eve of the Berlin Wall's anniversary, New Zealand filmmaker Tony Forster joins Oliver Hartwich to share his powerful experience of witnessing its fall on November 9, 1989. He reflects on the stark contrasts between East and West Berlin at that time and how this pivotal moment reshaped his personal outlook, deepening his belief in social responsibility and the importance of emotional expression. Read more
In this episode, Michael and James talk to Oxford theologian Nigel Biggar as he discusses his experiences with academic cancel culture and argues that while the British Empire had significant flaws, it also helped spread important liberal values and institutions throughout the world. The conversation then delves into how modern universities are struggling with free speech and academic discourse, suggesting that a combination of institutional cowardice, loss of religious frameworks, and generational disconnection from historical threats to democracy has led to current campus tensions around controversial topics. Read more
When New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters met his Indian counterpart Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar in Australia this week, some New Zealand journalists were puzzled. Why would bilateral talks happen in a third country? Read more
In his victory speech, Donald Trump promised Americans a new “golden age”. While he had the numbers to win the election, the economic realities he faces will make delivering on his promise challenging. Read more
Every year in New Zealand, around 62,000 young people leave school. Just 6% of them enter apprenticeship training. Read more
Imagine that someone invents a new cigarette that produces even more tar and harmful chemicals. Nobody is quite sure how much worse it is than a standard cigarette. Read more
I can’t pretend that dinnertime on the 21st of October was anywhere near as exciting as dinnertime on the 3rd of November. On the evening of Sunday the 3rd, I expect most of us were tuned into the final overs of the third cricket test, hoping that New Zealand would be the first to sweep a full test series in India. Read more
On his show Canterbury Mornings on Newstalk ZB, John MacDonald discusses Dr Eric Crampton's recent article in The Post about the cost of heritage. Listen below. Read more
Simon O'Connor talks to Roger Partridge on Family Matters about his latest research report 'Who makes the law? Reining in the Supreme Court'. Read more
New Zealand’s poor productivity statistics are less puzzling if you understand the country’s land use planning and consenting system. It isn’t much of an exaggeration that, for many activities, anyone’s “no” can block anyone else from doing anything. Read more
While studying psychology, my fellow students and I replicated a famous study conducted by B.F. Skinner in the 1940s. Read more
If next week’s American Presidential election is a coin toss, that coin looks increasingly weighted toward Trump. In early October, the race was much closer to a fair coin toss. Read more
Imagine trying to take instructions from a deceased client, or entering into a contract with your great-great-grandparents. According to our Supreme Court's latest decision, these absurdities might not be far-fetched. Read more