After decades of low inflation, prices are rising across the global economy, putting growing pressure on households. The Labour Government has responded in various ways – subsiding transport costs and tackling long-running market power issues in the supermarket and construction sectors. But a growing chorus of voices says the only way forward is for unemployment to rise, pushing the burden of the crisis onto workers. What really is driving this crisis? What should we do about it? And how does the government's response to date stack up? Join us to hear from Dr Geoff Bertram on these issues, with CTU economist Craig Renney responding. Dr Geoff Bertram is an economist from the Institute of Governance and Policy Studies at the Victoria University of Wellington, whose research has included investigations into excess profits and anti-competitive practices in New Zealand. Craig Renney is an economist and policy director with the Council of Trade Unions. The session will be chaired by journalist and barrister Ollie Neas.
-
Privatisation & Plunder
Privatisation & Plunder explores the rise, impact and future of neoliberalism in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Over the past four decades, neoliberal policies — privatisation, deregulation, austerity and market fundamentalism — have radically reshaped the country more thoroughly than in any other OECD nation.
This collection brings together leading scholars, researchers and activists to unpack the social, economic and political costs of the ‘New Zealand Experiment’. All of the chapters are versions of major Fabian sessions.
We chart how neoliberalism hollowed out public institutions, sharpened inequality, and reduced our ability to respond to crises. We reveal how today’s challenges — from the cost of living and housing crises to the rise of precarious work — are rooted in this legacy.
Yet we also offer hope: transformative policy alternatives, ranging from universal basic income to new forms of democratic governance, public ownership and economic justice.
A map of the terrain and a call to collective action.
There will be be book launch events in Wellington, Auckland, Dunedin and Christchurch (details to be confirmed).
You can register here.
