The New Zealand Initiative

Join us in this thought-provoking podcast episode as Drs James Kierstead and Michael Johnston engage in a conversation with Emeritus Professor John Raine, an esteemed academic with extensive experience in the New Zealand education system. We explore the evolution of academic standards and university preparedness, discussing the impact of changes in the education system and the importance of foundational knowledge in subjects like mathematics and sciences. Then we delve into the role of universities as cultural institutions and the challenges they face in maintaining their neutrality and intellectual integrity amidst changing demands and ideologies. We examine the delicate balance between incorporating cultural knowledge and preserving the principles of objective inquiry, highlighting concerns about the potential politicization of universities. Our conversation prompts us to reflect on the importance of university leadership in upholding the critic and conscience role of these institutions. Join us as we navigate the complex landscape of higher education, seeking to foster an environment that embraces curiosity, intellectual exploration, and diverse perspectives.

In this week’s podcast, Dr Eric Crampton continues his conversation with Professor Rhema Vaithianathan from Auckland University of Technology. This fascinating discussion tackles the world of data integration within social services, and critiques past failures, citing a need for real-life stories rather than cold, hard data. They discuss a culture shift towards accountability and performance-based contracts, a potentially game-changing solution. Listen to how smart data use could revolutionise social services and transform the lives of vulnerable children.

Join us this week on the New Zealand Initiative podcast! Our host, Dr Eric Crampton chats with Professor Rhema Vaithianathan from Auckland University of Technology. Rhema gives us a peek into her pioneering work on data-tools, designed with a human touch to better serve communities. In this fascinating chat, they delve into Rhema's trailblazing project, the Allegheny Family Screening Tool. This unique decision-aid tool is a global first, introduced in 2016 to support child welfare hotline screening. The duo also touch on the equally impressive Allegheny Housing Assessment tool, another innovative machine-learning tool used since 2020 for prioritising housing within the homelessness system. Rhema reveals the power of predictive risk modelling in the US child protection system, where her team used administrative data to help improve outcomes for children. Listen to how this model uses past case data to guide operators in their decisions regarding potential abuse cases. In the US, this approach worked to substantially reduce child hospitalisation. It could be done in New Zealand as well. In fact, the work started here. But New Zealand’s politics and public service has a very difficult time with new approaches. American localism means that one innovative county can try it out, and demonstrate the benefits to others. All this and more in our enlightening podcast. Stay tuned for Part Two, where the conversation on AI and predictive models in child protection systems, and on encouraging public sector innovation more broadly, continues!

The right to freedom of expression is enshrined in most constitutions and is deemed to be an essential human right under international law. Yet people in many countries face restrictions on their freedom of speech and on other civil liberties. So how does New Zealand compare? In this week’s podcast, Eric Crampton and Michael Johnston are joined by Arthur Grimes for an insightful discussion exploring the value of freedom of speech, its impact on well-being, and the nuanced relationship beyond the left-right divide. Discover intriguing findings from Professor Grimes' study and the importance of preserving this fundamental democratic principle.

Welcome to the New Zealand Initiative podcast! In this week’s episode, Drs Michael Johnston and James Kierstead discuss the challenges faced by universities in New Zealand, focusing on issues such as declining enrolments, the impact of international student numbers, and the need for universities to foster open and civil debate on controversial topics. They highlight the importance of universities being perceived as places of academic freedom and intellectual exchange, urging Vice Chancellors to differentiate themselves by creating an environment where ideas can be freely contested. They also address the high ratio of administrative staff to academic staff in New Zealand universities, suggesting a need for a financial re-evaluation. The forthcoming report on this topic promises to provide further insights into the matter.

Businesses typically avoid taking a stance on contentious political matters, particularly during election campaigns, and that is what makes this week’s media release from Foodstuffs North Island quite remarkable. In this week’s podcast, Oliver Hartwich is joined by Chris Quin, CEO of Foodstuffs North Island, to delve into the pressing issue of escalating retail crime and lawlessness in New Zealand. They discuss the effect this having on the safety of frontline staff, their owner/operators and their customers. They also discuss possible solutions and the importance of adopting a multifaceted approach to effectively tackle crime, highlighting the limitations of simplistic solutions such as fog cannon subsidies.

New Zealand is globally known as a rich tapestry of cultures, but what does that really mean on the ground and how does it shape the world of business and innovation? It's not just about customs and conventions that we can observe and learn. National culture is much more profound; it's hardwired into our brains, influencing our thoughts and behaviours. Yet, as globalisation gains momentum and New Zealand’s multicultural fabric grows denser, the probability of intercultural misunderstandings, tensions, and conflicts also increases. To explore how we navigate this delicate balance, Oliver Hartwich is joined by management consultant Tony Smale to discuss how we can leverage our national culture to boost innovation and enhance business performance.

Welcome to the New Zealand Initiative podcast! This week's episode presents a dialogue between Dr Michael Johnston and the renowned Professor Gary Hawke. Together, they journey through the evolution of teacher training in New Zealand, tracing the intriguing pathway from the independent training colleges to their subsequent unification with universities. This compelling dialogue illuminates the preparations that shape our educators for their vital roles. Listen now to understanding the past, present, and future of New Zealand's teacher training.

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.

Tune into this riveting podcast for a deep-dive into the world of urban planning and infrastructure development in New Zealand! Chief economist Eric Crampton is joined by the Infrastructure Commission’s Nadine Dodge and Peter Nunns to grapple with the complex yet fascinating concept of corridor protection and how foresight is essential to avoid future urban development headaches. Be ready to learn about the unexpected areas impacted by planning, including schools, transportation, and even supermarkets. Hear about how inadequate planning can spiral into manifold issues including overcrowded schools and insufficient facilities for growing communities. They also explore the intriguing potential of flexible zoning to foster competition. Plus, there's a thought-provoking discussion on the proposed National Policy Statement on Urban Development, and the potential implications this could have. This conversation underlines the critical importance of proactive, wide-ranging urban planning to accommodate future population growth and evolving community needs. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation!