The city’s new underground rail stations are also impressive public spaces, showing how infrastructure can go well beyond the functional bare minimum.
- Professor of Human Geography, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau
The increasing influence of Bloomberg Philanthropies on cash-strapped city governments raises questions about the reliability of philanthropy over the long term – and its democratic legitimacy.
City deals are being touted as the answer to NZ’s local infrastructure problems. Lessons from the UK and Australia suggest greater transparency and more coherent planning should be on the table too.
The former finance minister starts as vice-chancellor of Otago University in July. But such appointments call for more robust debate about the perceived independence of our tertiary institutions.
A study of cities around the world that are developing innovative solutions to their problems has identified three key elements of success.
The local and international track record of social investment funds and social impact bonds is far from convincing. A better-resourced public sector would be a simpler solution.
Despite the claims of landlords and politicians, there is no economic consensus against rent controls. A more nuanced debate would help, given the scale of New Zealand’s housing affordability problem.
Crowdfunding campaigners appeal to potential donors by describing the recipient as the subject of misfortune, rather than personal irresponsibility, and therefore deserving of their sympathy.
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