Grant Duncan, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
Yes, Jacinda Ardern is an intelligent, compassionate prime minister, but governing is difficult – and problems have inevitably arisen, or never gone away.
Unlike Canada’s newly elected House of Commons, New Zealand’s parliament reflects the will of voters. So do other proportional representation systems. Canada has plenty of choice.
The advertising boycott of Alan Jones’ radio show highlights which companies advertised on it, but ironically, pulling out now could enhance their brand more than if they had never supported the show.
Cuba is offering a compelling example of how we can take care of each other during the climate crisis with its work training doctors on Kiribati, a nation that is being devastated by climate change.
Being seen to lead is clearly an important political aspect of managing online content. But internet regulation must focus on creating policy that is clear, accountable, balanced and open to appeals.
Mike Salvaris, The University of Melbourne; Fiona Stanley, The University of Western Australia, dan Kate Lycett, Murdoch Children's Research Institute
Countries around the world are taking society’s happiness and well-being into account when formulating policy. So, why is Australia so focused on economics as the sole marker of progress?
After the Christchurch mosque shootings, New Zealand’s prime minister didn’t start a war on terror. She covered her head, cried, paid for funerals and passed gun control. Is it because she’s a woman?
Knowledge is important to produce informed policy, but an understanding of people is also vital in a democracy. And that requires listening – to all sectors of society, not only elites and lobbyists.
NZ’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stands out internationally as she talks about doing politics differently. Yet, domestically, there’s little discussion about priorities in foreign policy.
Richard Shaw, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University
One year since Jacinda Ardern became prime minister, New Zealanders are refamiliarising themselves with the idea that the state can be a force for good.
The media interest in the New Zealand leader, who gave birth this summer, is an illustration of the difficulties faced by women who choose to pursue a career without sacrificing their lives as mothers.
Bronwyn E Wood, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington dan Nick Munn, University of Waikato
Lowering the voting age to 16 would bring the age of political responsibility more in line with the age of criminal responsibility and the age of informed consent for medical procedures.
Politics Podcast: Jacinda Ardern on her political life
CC BY38,6 MB(download)
Jacinda Ardern on the toughness of Australian politics, her ambitious policy plans, and the demands of being a young high-profile female leader that everyone wants to know about.
New Zealand’s new government wants the central bank to focus on maximising employment. But experience from other countries shows this is unlikely to change policy.