Join us on a fascinating journey, chugging through the intricate past, present, and future of rail transport in New Zealand.
 
Chief economist Eric Crampton is once again joined by Client Service Lead for Milestone Solutions, Scott Wilson, to dig deep into the ownership structures and incentives that have guided the development of New Zealand's rail system. They explore the government's role in rail transport funding and provide critical insights into how this influences the nation's overall transport landscape.
 
Whether you're a rail enthusiast, history buff, economic aficionado, or a curious listener, this episode promises a treasure trove of insights. Buckle up for an unforgettable ride across the history of New Zealand rail, one track at a time.

Podcast: Rail transport funding

News

In this episode, Michael and James talk to Jonathan Rauch, famed American journalist and senior fellow at the Brookings Institute.


They discuss the importance of free speech and open debate for the advancement of knowledge and the health of our society.


They explore how cultivating the skills of constructive disagreement, from the classroom to the public square, may hold the key to navigating our increasingly polarised world and safeguarding the pursuit of truth.

Jonathan Rauch and the Constitution of Knowledge

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.

Murray Horn and New Zealand's fiscal challenges

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.

John Morris and the state of NZ's education system

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.

Protecting free speech in UK universities

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

Podcast: Rail transport funding

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