Some New Zealand landlords are so neglectful, the properties they let contravene basic human rights. They’re damp, squalid, cold, neglected and expensive. Yet in many, rents keep going up. While rent hikes can reflect the costs landlords face, there are standards that must be maintained, according to Wellington Property Investors Association president Peter Ambrose. Passing Read more
Income and wealth inequality has risen in many countries in recent decades. Rising inequality and related disparities and anxieties have been stoking social discontent and are a major driver of the increased political polarisation and populist nationalism that are so evident today. An increasingly unequal society can weaken trust in public institutions and undermine democratic Read more
On November 30 2022, OpenAI launched the AI chatbot ChatGTP, making the latest generation of AI technologies widely available. In the few months since then, we have seen Italy ban ChatGTP over privacy concerns, leading technology luminaries calling for a pause on AI systems development, and even prominent researchers saying we should be prepared to Read more
If you think the fact that women in the UK are paid only 90p for every £1 earned by a man was depressing, then buckle up. New research has revealed that the gender pay gap begins earlier than most of us could have imagined: in childhood. “This report is the product of two of our Read more
Killer streets and revolting racism summarise the Auckland City Missioner’s view of the world from a homeless person’s perspective. These streets are where hundreds of vulnerable people live – and die. A disproportionate number are Māori. Homelessness is a terrible situation, says Helen Robinson. It can take up to 30 years off someone’s life. It Read more
Ten years after the Auckland City Mission – Te Tāpui Atawhai – began working on finding a new home, it has finally opened its doors. Called HomeGround, Auckland City Missioner Helen Robinson (pictured at the new facility) says its new one-stop health and social services space for the city’s most vulnerable people realises a long-held Read more
The wealth gap in New Zealand is growing – but many people behind philanthropic giving are changing the shape of charity. The changes are taking the form of new sorts of funds where ‘donors’ still get a return. They include bonds resulting in community housing being built, investments in education and health and ‘impact investment’. Read more
With Covid-19 causing extraordinarily intrusive and expensive lockdowns, vaccine or Covid passports or certificates are increasingly seen as key to getting out of them. Decision-makers and gatekeepers – from border guards to maître d’s – will have a means of knowing who can safely engage with others. To that end, the New Zealand government aims Read more
The average house price in Aotearoa is more than $900,000. We have a shortfall of more than 100,000 dwellings, all urban housing markets are considered severely unaffordable by international standards. 500,000 Kiwis are in overcrowded housing situations 350,000 households are on accommodation supplements Māori home ownership sits at just over 30% less than 50% of Read more
The world’s richest man, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos (pictured), says Tuesday was “the best day ever” after he flew into space in his rocket and capsule. The venture has reinforced his commitment to tackling the climate crisis, and using New Shepard (his rocket) as a stepping stone towards colonising space for the benefit of Earth. Read more