Beware: Politicians are offering us a pocketful of candy

Beware: Politicians are offering us a pocketful of candy
We're now in the "candy zone" of the three-yearly election cycle to entice voters. (Image: Getty)
Cameron Bagrie
“Your tax relief is coming, no matter how badly Labour has wrecked the joint,” said shadow finance minister Nicola Willis at the National party’s policy announcement.Tax relief beats all.Populism and electioneering, 1. Policy, 0.The rise of populism politics is becoming a plague. It's an extension of short-termism – and a global problem. Although, we might be wearing one of the less populism-stained shirts when I look at the likes of the United States.Populism is prevalent across the political spectrum here in New Ze...

More Economy

Business gloom offers inflation hope
Economy

Business gloom offers inflation hope

The New Zealand Institute of Economic Research’s (NZIER) Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a continued deterioration in business confidence in the second quarter.A net 35% of firms expected a deterioration in the general economic outlook over the coming months on a seaso...

Staff reporters 02 Jul 2024
Independent costings needed for tough political decisions
Economy

Independent costings needed for tough political decisions

The time is now for an Independent Fiscal Institution.

Cameron Bagrie 01 Jul 2024
Brave-faced craft chocolate industry finds strength in unity
Retail

Brave-faced craft chocolate industry finds strength in unity

More than 30 boutique chocolate companies raised the bar at Chocstock.

Gregor Thompson 01 Jul 2024