Politics & Society
Does private healthcare harm more than it helps?
In New Zealand, the acceptance of a two-tier health system raises questions of justice and threatens social cohesion.
What do Russians really think of the war?
Anthropologist Mark Galeotti challenges four common misconceptions about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, including that the Russian people approve of the war and their regime’s conduct, and that they have become more politically conservative. Rather, Russians remain focused on their daily material concerns and have become more politically apathetic.
Is Auckland Transport consulting itself into paralysis?
Is endless consultation hindering progress? Timothy Welch challenges Auckland Transport’s decision paralysis on minor transport projects.
Could NZ could become a republic… and still stay in the Commonwealth?
James Mehigan argues leaving the Commonwealth to become a republic saying New Zealand is going to leave the International Cricket Council. There is another way.
Can moving beyond growth help land societies in a more stable future?
In this article, Olivia Lazard discusses Europe’s green transition, growth, extraction, conflict, and the need for alternative relationships with natural systems.
Are tobacco companies’ warnings about a black market misleading?
Surprise. Tobacco companies claim to be transforming their business by “reducing the health impact” of their products. Yet they often oppose the very policies that could achieve this goal.
Science & Technology
Can prehistoric droppings help uncover a new world of conservation?
New research reveals the importance of southern beech trees in the kākāpō’s diet and breeding cycle, aiding conservation efforts.
The cow in the room… A problem of production or consumption?
Techno-scientific solutions have been thrown at the problem of farm-based greenhouse gas emissions. It’s an economy in and of itself.
We’re building harder, hotter cities: Should we instead protect and grow urban green spaces?
Housing intensification in Hamilton. PCE, CC BY-SA Timothy Welch, University of Auckland Recent extreme weather events have provided a foretaste of how supercharged storms might threaten our future. So the release today of a new report from the Parliamentary...
What should New Zealand do to commit fully to tackling climate change?
We need to invest in clean technologies and circular economies to build a sustainable, diversified economy. And that will also lessen our dependence on carbon-emitting industries, say leading Auckland academics.
From farming to fermentation: Could New Zealand ‘brew up’ new foods to reduce agricultural emissions?
Addressing the problem of New Zealand’s agricultural emissions has mainly focused on technical fixes aimed at reducing methane and nitrous oxide produced by livestock and fertiliser and relying on voluntary agreements with the industry. But these measures may not result in substantial emissions reductions any time soon.
IPCC report: Is the window closing for a liveable future?
The latest UN climate report finds that in the absence of ambitious action on climate change, the worst is yet to come for human populations.
Business & Economics
Are we two weeks away from the worst recession since the 1930s?
How banking executives prepare for chaos and financial disorder that might be just around the corner.
Proving the wealthiest New Zealanders pay low tax rates is a good start – but will they pay more tax?
The just released Inland Revenue study of the tax rates paid by the wealthiest New Zealanders should put to rest the notion we have a progressive tax system. We don’t. Professor of Law Craig Elliffe breaks down the latest news in tax policy.
From Stagnation to Inspiration: How can companies better drive innovation?
Boards of directors play a crucial role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and aligning organizational structures for success, writes writes Rod McNaughton.
Can NZ step up and address Earth system decline?
The Government of Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and action by changing its laws to conform with the laws of nature, writes Klaus Bosselmann. Can NZ step up and help lead?
How shall we reform our hump-shaped tax system?
Should New Zealand implement a flat income tax rate of 25% for all, including the top 2%? Economist Tim Hazledine thinks so.
What would a Green Recovery from COVID-19 look like for Aotearoa New Zealand?
To arrest economic downturn, many governments have responded with massive fiscal packages to boost the economy, maintain employment, and stabilise core industries. However, there is deep concern that these economic responses will undermine the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accords and cause a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.
Arts & Culture
Does AI work by exploiting our unwaged labour?
Fabio Morreale exposes the exploitation of AI training through our interactions, raising ethical concerns and advocating for change.
Who are you calling a Nazi?
While it is all too easy and comfortable to indulge in our Nazi fascination to demonise our enemies, maybe we should still the media chaos just for a moment and reflect. Who are you calling a Nazi? And why?
Can NZ step up and address Earth system decline?
The Government of Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique opportunity to demonstrate leadership and action by changing its laws to conform with the laws of nature, writes Klaus Bosselmann. Can NZ step up and help lead?
What cultural values belong in science?
The University of Auckland’s Julie Rowland examines the notion that education should be secular and devoid of any form of spirituality.
The fall into the abyss
In April 1909, two waves of massacres shook the province of Adana, located in the southern Anatolia region of modern-day Turkey, killing more than 20,000 Armenians and 2,000 Muslims.
How did the U.S. come to collectively own over 600 million acres of land? How has that changed over time? 🔊
In this two-part special episode of the Scholars’ Circle, Doug Becker explores the history of public land in the United States.
Ngā Ara Whetū
Rachel Wolfgramm’s Big Q: How can we create organisations that help our environment and society?
Associate Professor Rachel Maunganui Wolfgramm serves as Associate Dean Māori, Associate Dean Pacific, and Director of the Dame Mira Szászy Research Centre at the University of Auckland Business School. Rachel is also Executive Director of Ngā Ara Whetu, Center...
Saeid Baroutian’s Big Q: How do we transform our economy?
Saeid is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering. He is the Director of Innovation at Ngā Ara Whetū Centre for Climate Change, Biodiversity and Society and the Director of Circular Innovations (CIRCUIT) Research Centre at the...
Can the economy go round? The Ngā Ara Whetū Podcast talks circular economy.
Can New Zealand become a circular economy? Can we change from a throwaway economy to one that reuses resources? And what does that mean for business?
Are we doing enough? Ngā Ara Whetū’s reaction to the 6th IPCC report
The government is focusing on “bread and butter” issues but there will be less food for everyone if we do not tackle to climate crisis, argues Ngā Ara Whetū.
We’re building harder, hotter cities: Should we instead protect and grow urban green spaces?
Housing intensification in Hamilton. PCE, CC BY-SA Timothy Welch, University of Auckland Recent extreme weather events have provided a foretaste of how supercharged storms might threaten our future. So the release today of a new report from the Parliamentary...
What do you mean we are running out of sand?
Although the importance of water as a resource is well accepted, fewer people know that sand is the second most consumed resource globally.
West Papuan campaigners want a ‘green state’. Could it help the planet?
Independence activists want to combine the best parts of liberal democracy with indigenous traditions.
What would a Green Recovery from COVID-19 look like for Aotearoa New Zealand?
To arrest economic downturn, many governments have responded with massive fiscal packages to boost the economy, maintain employment, and stabilise core industries. However, there is deep concern that these economic responses will undermine the goals outlined in the Paris Climate Accords and cause a surge in greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is the UN calling for a gendered approach to climate – and how does Aotearoa stack up?
On November 14th, 2022, COP27 included the conference’s first-ever day devoted to gender. So what is Aotearoa New Zealand doing to address the intersection between climate and gender, and how do we stack up to Sima Bahous’s three asks?
Avoiding climate breakdown depends on protecting Earth’s biodiversity – can the COP15 summit deliver?
COP15 needs to mark a step change in how quickly and how seriously the international community responds to catastrophic nature loss. The focus is expected to be on 30×30, a push to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by the end of this decade.