Forget big business and big government, 'big neighbour' is more powerful than both

Forget big business and big government, 'big neighbour' is more powerful than both
Big neighbour has a large part to play in a lot of New Zealand's problems. (Image: DepositPhotos)
Dileepa Fonseka
People whine a lot about the tyranny of "big government" and "big business", but those weaklings have nothing on the power of "big neighbour”.  In journalist Austin Mitchell’s book The Half-Gallon Quarter Acre Paradise, "big neighbour" demonstrated its power during the 1970s by driving around New Zealand’s cities on a Sunday and inspecting everyone’s lawns."Big neighbour is always watching you, keep him happy," he wrote in 1972. Now it’s worse. Big neighbour ha...

More Policy

Govt to toll three new highways
Policy

Govt to toll three new highways

The Transport Minister has unveiled reforms to support more toll roads.

Oliver Lewis 13 Dec 2024
Kiwibank won't bring banking Revolut-ion
Finance

Kiwibank won't bring banking Revolut-ion

Forget Kiwibank. Revolut is the force big banks will have to reckon with, expert says.

ACC under review as levies rise
Policy

ACC under review as levies rise

The review aims to speed up rehabilitation times.

Jem Traylen 12 Dec 2024
Arise Winston, minister of railways
Policy Analysis

Arise Winston, minister of railways

The NZ First leader has regained ministerial oversight over KiwiRail.

Oliver Lewis 12 Dec 2024