The coronavirus crisis has given experts and specialists worldwide a lot of power. As countries like New Zealand begin to recover, we need to question that power more than ever.
This 2020 budget is not the pivot to a green rebuild many had hoped for. But its short-term focus on caring for people’s health leaves the door open to stronger climate action down the track.
Since the lockdown went into effect, new signs responding to the government’s directions have been noticeably visible, created by both the government and private businesses.
NZ$4.3 billion will go some way to patch up long-standing cracks in New Zealand’s health system. But COVID-19 has shown NZ’s regional approach to health isn’t good enough against a nationwide threat.
Jacinda Ardern has won global admiration for her personal style. But how will Kiwis judge her government at the ballot-box in September this year – just as unemployment is expected to peak?
James Renwick, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Earth’s has gone through major climate changes in the past. They happened on time scales of millions of years and triggered mass extinctions. Our emissions are changing the climate much faster.
New Zealand’s 2020 budget must not only provide economic hope, it must balance the very different ideologies and aspirations of two earlier historic budgets.
Sports have been out of action during the coronavirus lockdown, but the recovery period is a chance to redefine sporting success beyond winning and profit margins.
Despite World Health Organisation warnings that heavy alcohol consumption increases the risk of severe complications of COVID-19, alcohol was sold as an essential item during New Zealand’s lockdown.
Australia and New Zealand have well and truly ‘flattened the curve’, and there is now a real chance we could eliminate coronavirus in both countries. But what does elimination actually mean?
While some authoritarian governments have won early praise, research shows that democratic countries with a balance of power between central and regional bodies are best able to succeed.
Hongzhi Gao, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington et Monica Ren, Macquarie University
Talks about creating a trans-Tasman bubble have focused on kick-starting short-term economic activity through tourism. But Australia and NZ could also increase manufacturing and trade integration.
Food choices make a difference to the climate impact of our diet. Every step towards eating a more plant-based diet results in lower emissions, better population health and reduced healthcare costs.
Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Health and Environmental Sciences, Auckland University of Technology, and Professor of Political Science, Charles Sturt University