Arguments in NZ about the right mixture of government tax and spending initiatives have focused mainly on whether such measures might stimulate the economy. Among the major themes of the recent budget were the alleged need to address the 'undue tax burden' on high income earners and the implication that to widen and strengthen the tax net would deter investors. Instead, public sector austerity is to be the favoured path to revitalising the economy. While opponents have asserted that the opposite tack might provide even greater stimulation, there has been little analysis of this approach in terms of fundamental 'tax philosophy' and implications for social justice.

Our first seminar in the Resilient Economy Series identified a number of key factors hampering New Zealand's real economy. These included the need for a more stable currency, encouragement of more investment in our productive enterprises and the negative impact of the current implementation of monetary policy. Next, we look to some of the options for addressing these problems.

These free events feature Rick Boven from the New Zealand Institute discuss with participants from our first seminars what we need to do to build a truly Resilient New Zealand Economy. The New Zealand Institute is an independent think-tank with its own project focussed on improving New Zealand's competitive strength.

The Christchurch event saw John Walley of the Manufacturers and Exporters Association, a forthright commentator from the first Fabian seminar, in discussion with Rick (podcast available here). The Auckland and Wellington events feature Rick Boven with Selwyn Pellett and Ganesh Nana respectively.