What a bargain! A can of tomatoes for 75c. But how come they can be so cheap? Economist, Barbara Ward once suggested that we still have slaves, but these days we don’t see them because they are on the other side of the world. In a thought-provoking column Newsroom, Nikki Mandow wonders if perhaps the Read more
Private investors are about be given the opportunity to invest in and make money from the provision of social services. The Government has given the green light to piloting social impact bonds in New Zealand. Social impact bonds are a way for non government entities to partner in delivering social outcomes – and be rewarded Read more
The financial crisis and its aftermath have revealed the dark side of the post-cold war model, but Catholic social teaching proposes correcting the way market forces work so that they serve the public interest. It was 25 years ago this month that communism ceased to be a threat to the west and to the free Read more
The Easter trading laws aren’t working and need an overhaul, Prime Minister John Key says. “I don’t think the law is working terribly well, but I’ve always voted in favour of liberalisation of trading laws when it comes to Easter weekend,” Key said. The Retailers Association has suggested that shops should be allowed to open Read more
This Easter the Greens and Labour parties and a 11,00 strong union have called for businesses to respect Easter trading laws. FIRST Union retail secretary Maxine Gay said retailers who opened on Good Friday were being “greedy”, with little regard for workers’ and families’ need. “Retail workers have among the fewest rights in the country Read more
The Finance and Expenditure Select Committee last week received submissions on the Mixed Ownership Bill. The Bill passed its first reading on 8 March and if it proceeds will allow the partial sale of the four state owned power companies. Caritas Director Julianne Hickey made an oral submission to the Select Committee last week. Caritas Read more
According to former top banker, Ken Costs, the market economy had lost “its moral foundations with disastrous consequences.” Costa, a former chairman of UBS Europe and Lazard International, spoke out after being appointed by Bishop of London Richard Chartres to lead an initiative aimed at “reconnecting the financial with the ethical.” Writing in the Sunday Read more