‘Fishing for a post-COVID solution to New Zealand’s development model’
In the last few months three public agencies have each released a major report with far-reaching implications for the future economic and social development of New Zealand. First, in its latest report. the…
Keep reading
‘Submission to the Tax Working Group on health and super funding’
Matthew Hooton reviews Treasury’s 40-year look into the future. Yes, education, innovation, productivity, and added value to our commodity-based economy will make all the difference, but Treasury’s main focus as always is state…
Keep reading
‘From the Social Welfare state to the Social Insurance State?’
An intriguing suggestion in the recent Budget was the proposal to explore moving to an ACC-style unemployment scheme which would be self-funded and contributory. A social insurance scheme along these lines has been…
Keep reading
‘Are prescription medicines particularly expensive in New Zealand?’
The short answer is that they are not! Unlike many other countries, hospital patients receive their medicines for free and most prescriptions from the family doctor are filled at the pharmacy for a…
Keep reading
‘The Case for a Non-Commercial Public Broadcaster’
The Government recently established a working group to look at the possibility of establishing a new public broadcasting entity. At present Radio New Zealand (RNZ) is almost the only agency that adheres to…
Keep reading
‘Social Democracy and the Healthcare System in New Zealand’
The New Zealand Labour Party (NZLP) was formed in 1916 by a coming together of various socialist parties and trade unions. It did not achieve power until 1935, and held office for its…
Keep reading
‘Will the proposed health changes make a difference in Auckland?’
Will the proposed health changes make a difference in Auckland? The short answer is – no; unless, the proposed commissioning (contracting and funding) powers get to be located at the level of the…
Keep reading
‘Maori leadership needed on health equity for all: a reply to John Tamihere’
John Tamihere reminds us of the ways in which Maori are disadvantaged in our current health care system. Each one of his examples in his Herald article strikes home as a real failure.…
Keep reading
Everything to play for in health reform announcement
There is everything to play for in the announcement of the long-waited health reform package by the Minister of Health, Andrew Little. The announced structural outline is best seen as an enabling framework…
Keep reading
Dealing with the health effects of our harmful consumption patterns
New Zealand, like other affluent societies, is suffering the health consequences of our harmful consumption patterns. Thus, a recent report from Diabetes New Zealand shows that nearly 5% of the population suffers from…
Keep reading
Another Review of PHARMAC
With each major change of government in recent years, PHARMAC has been required either to list a particular drug (Herceptin under National), or undergo a review (the current government), or both a new…
Keep reading
After COVID. Beyond GDP Growth
With the start of the largest immunisation campaign in our history, and the continuation of strong public health measures, New Zealand’s largely COVID-19 free status can be consolidated, although we have to wait…
Keep reading
Observations on COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand
By dint of a dash of luck and a quantum of good management, the five-million strong island nation of Aoteaora New Zealand, wedged between the continents of Antarctica and Australia, has to date…
Keep reading
Think tanks are leading the way as political parties play it safe
OPINION: We are living in unprecedented times with a pandemic of global proportions. For many commentators, this is seen as an opportunity to think “outside the box” about the future direction of our society…
Keep reading
Advice to the Incoming Minister of Health
Dear Minister, The health portfolio is one of the most sensitive and complex. It absorbs 15% of government expenditure and supports 80% of all health transactions. The sector is vociferous, high profile and…
Keep reading
What we can all learn from the Auckland outbreak
Very unfortunate and troubling though it has been for all concerned, in retrospect the Auckland outbreak has been a salutary experience from which everyone can learn something. The commentariat have been working off…
Keep reading
Invitation to Policy, the guide to Election 2020
I’m writing to invite you to try Policy, the complete guide to Election 2020, now online at policy.nz. We thought you might be interested because you took part in our 2019 local elections tool…
Keep reading
Health Post-Pandemic: Necessity the mother of intervention?
In August 2019 the panel of the Health and Disability System Review (HDSR, 2019), chaired by Heather Simpson, published its 300-page interim report. For anybody familiar with the sector, the report confirmed much…
Keep reading
The Health System Review. An Opportunity for Auckland.
The Health and Disability System Review (known as the “Simpson” Report after the chair, Heather Simpson) was recently published. It draws substantially on submissions from the sector and has been a couple of…
Keep reading
The “Simpson” Report: Cautious steps towards a national health system?
This article appeared on stuff.co.nz on the 17th of June 2020. The “Simpson” Report: Cautious steps towards a national health system? The last time we had a review as comprehensive as the “Simpson”…
Keep reading
“Our ageing society. Implications for the Tax Working Group”
A recent Herald editorial is headed “Pension not enough even for ‘no frills’ retirement” and concludes “The future of an ageing New Zealand needs a lot of close attention”. Could this be a…
Keep reading
ADHB Health and Social Care – “Closer to Home”
According to a recent news item, District Health Board (DHB) deficits are set to expand to around $500 million for the year, a substantial sum on a total annual health budget of about…
Keep reading
DHBs are hospital boards in all but name – and they need a re-set
Impressions from a newly elected member of the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB). ADHB is big “business”: turnover of $2.2 billion and 11,000 staff; the third largest enterprise in New Zealand (just under…
Keep reading
Creating “policy space” in the aftermath of the CGT debate
For anybody with a belief in the public interest benefits of evidence-based policy, the shelving of a comprehensive capital gains tax (CGT) after a short debate is a setback. It suggests we do…
Keep reading
The pandemic – a stimulus to healthcare innovation
If there is a silver lining to this grim COVID-19 pandemic it is that our health system has responded magnificently to the challenge and, in so doing, has had to adopt new ways…
Keep reading
Future lies in expanded primary and community care and fewer hospitals
I wrote this article in September 2019, below is the first paragraph and and link to the piece. OPINION: The interim report of the health and disability review panel confirms much of what we already know: while…
Keep reading
What have we learned in Auckland healthcare from the level-4 lockdown?
Peter Davis, a retired professor at Auckland University, founder and head of the COMPASS research group. Specialist in health policy and health science.
Keep reading
‘Bill English has slammed the big pay rise for the Super Fund boss. Here’s why he’s wrong’
The Spinoff, 24 February 2017 Adrian Orr’s 23% salary increase has been decried by everyone from the PM down. But Orr is no ordinary public service boss: he’s a savvy corporate investor, responsible…
Keep reading
-
‘Fishing for a post-COVID solution to New Zealand’s development model’
In the last few months three public agencies have each released a major report with far-reaching implications for the future economic and social development of New Zealand. First, in its latest report. the … Continue reading ‘Fishing for a post-COVID solution to New Zealand’s development model’
-
‘Submission to the Tax Working Group on health and super funding’
Matthew Hooton reviews Treasury’s 40-year look into the future. Yes, education, innovation, productivity, and added value to our commodity-based economy will make all the difference, but Treasury’s main focus as always is state … Continue reading ‘Submission to the Tax Working Group on health and super funding’
-
‘From the Social Welfare state to the Social Insurance State?’
An intriguing suggestion in the recent Budget was the proposal to explore moving to an ACC-style unemployment scheme which would be self-funded and contributory. A social insurance scheme along these lines has been … Continue reading ‘From the Social Welfare state to the Social Insurance State?’
-
‘Fishing for a post-COVID solution to New Zealand’s development model’
In the last few months three public agencies have each released a major report with far-reaching implications for the future economic and social development of New Zealand. First, in its latest report. the … Continue reading ‘Fishing for a post-COVID solution to New Zealand’s development model’
-
‘Submission to the Tax Working Group on health and super funding’
Matthew Hooton reviews Treasury’s 40-year look into the future. Yes, education, innovation, productivity, and added value to our commodity-based economy will make all the difference, but Treasury’s main focus as always is state … Continue reading ‘Submission to the Tax Working Group on health and super funding’
-
‘From the Social Welfare state to the Social Insurance State?’
An intriguing suggestion in the recent Budget was the proposal to explore moving to an ACC-style unemployment scheme which would be self-funded and contributory. A social insurance scheme along these lines has been … Continue reading ‘From the Social Welfare state to the Social Insurance State?’
-
‘Are prescription medicines particularly expensive in New Zealand?’
The short answer is that they are not! Unlike many other countries, hospital patients receive their medicines for free and most prescriptions from the family doctor are filled at the pharmacy for a … Continue reading ‘Are prescription medicines particularly expensive in New Zealand?’
-
‘The Case for a Non-Commercial Public Broadcaster’
The Government recently established a working group to look at the possibility of establishing a new public broadcasting entity. At present Radio New Zealand (RNZ) is almost the only agency that adheres to … Continue reading ‘The Case for a Non-Commercial Public Broadcaster’
-
‘Social Democracy and the Healthcare System in New Zealand’
The New Zealand Labour Party (NZLP) was formed in 1916 by a coming together of various socialist parties and trade unions. It did not achieve power until 1935, and held office for its … Continue reading ‘Social Democracy and the Healthcare System in New Zealand’
-
‘Will the proposed health changes make a difference in Auckland?’
Will the proposed health changes make a difference in Auckland? The short answer is – no; unless, the proposed commissioning (contracting and funding) powers get to be located at the level of the … Continue reading ‘Will the proposed health changes make a difference in Auckland?’
-
‘Maori leadership needed on health equity for all: a reply to John Tamihere’
John Tamihere reminds us of the ways in which Maori are disadvantaged in our current health care system. Each one of his examples in his Herald article strikes home as a real failure. … Continue reading ‘Maori leadership needed on health equity for all: a reply to John Tamihere’
-
Everything to play for in health reform announcement
There is everything to play for in the announcement of the long-waited health reform package by the Minister of Health, Andrew Little. The announced structural outline is best seen as an enabling framework … Continue reading Everything to play for in health reform announcement
-
Dealing with the health effects of our harmful consumption patterns
New Zealand, like other affluent societies, is suffering the health consequences of our harmful consumption patterns. Thus, a recent report from Diabetes New Zealand shows that nearly 5% of the population suffers from … Continue reading Dealing with the health effects of our harmful consumption patterns
-
Another Review of PHARMAC
With each major change of government in recent years, PHARMAC has been required either to list a particular drug (Herceptin under National), or undergo a review (the current government), or both a new … Continue reading Another Review of PHARMAC
-
After COVID. Beyond GDP Growth
With the start of the largest immunisation campaign in our history, and the continuation of strong public health measures, New Zealand’s largely COVID-19 free status can be consolidated, although we have to wait … Continue reading After COVID. Beyond GDP Growth
-
Observations on COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand
By dint of a dash of luck and a quantum of good management, the five-million strong island nation of Aoteaora New Zealand, wedged between the continents of Antarctica and Australia, has to date … Continue reading Observations on COVID in Aotearoa New Zealand
-
Think tanks are leading the way as political parties play it safe
OPINION: We are living in unprecedented times with a pandemic of global proportions. For many commentators, this is seen as an opportunity to think “outside the box” about the future direction of our society … Continue reading Think tanks are leading the way as political parties play it safe
-
Advice to the Incoming Minister of Health
Dear Minister, The health portfolio is one of the most sensitive and complex. It absorbs 15% of government expenditure and supports 80% of all health transactions. The sector is vociferous, high profile and … Continue reading Advice to the Incoming Minister of Health
-
What we can all learn from the Auckland outbreak
Very unfortunate and troubling though it has been for all concerned, in retrospect the Auckland outbreak has been a salutary experience from which everyone can learn something. The commentariat have been working off … Continue reading What we can all learn from the Auckland outbreak
-
Invitation to Policy, the guide to Election 2020
I’m writing to invite you to try Policy, the complete guide to Election 2020, now online at policy.nz. We thought you might be interested because you took part in our 2019 local elections tool … Continue reading Invitation to Policy, the guide to Election 2020
-
Health Post-Pandemic: Necessity the mother of intervention?
In August 2019 the panel of the Health and Disability System Review (HDSR, 2019), chaired by Heather Simpson, published its 300-page interim report. For anybody familiar with the sector, the report confirmed much … Continue reading Health Post-Pandemic: Necessity the mother of intervention?
-
The Health System Review. An Opportunity for Auckland.
The Health and Disability System Review (known as the “Simpson” Report after the chair, Heather Simpson) was recently published. It draws substantially on submissions from the sector and has been a couple of … Continue reading The Health System Review. An Opportunity for Auckland.
-
The “Simpson” Report: Cautious steps towards a national health system?
This article appeared on stuff.co.nz on the 17th of June 2020. The “Simpson” Report: Cautious steps towards a national health system? The last time we had a review as comprehensive as the “Simpson” … Continue reading The “Simpson” Report: Cautious steps towards a national health system?
-
“Our ageing society. Implications for the Tax Working Group”
A recent Herald editorial is headed “Pension not enough even for ‘no frills’ retirement” and concludes “The future of an ageing New Zealand needs a lot of close attention”. Could this be a … Continue reading “Our ageing society. Implications for the Tax Working Group”
-
ADHB Health and Social Care – “Closer to Home”
According to a recent news item, District Health Board (DHB) deficits are set to expand to around $500 million for the year, a substantial sum on a total annual health budget of about … Continue reading ADHB Health and Social Care – “Closer to Home”
-
DHBs are hospital boards in all but name – and they need a re-set
Impressions from a newly elected member of the Auckland District Health Board (ADHB). ADHB is big “business”: turnover of $2.2 billion and 11,000 staff; the third largest enterprise in New Zealand (just under … Continue reading DHBs are hospital boards in all but name – and they need a re-set
-
Creating “policy space” in the aftermath of the CGT debate
For anybody with a belief in the public interest benefits of evidence-based policy, the shelving of a comprehensive capital gains tax (CGT) after a short debate is a setback. It suggests we do … Continue reading Creating “policy space” in the aftermath of the CGT debate
-
The pandemic – a stimulus to healthcare innovation
If there is a silver lining to this grim COVID-19 pandemic it is that our health system has responded magnificently to the challenge and, in so doing, has had to adopt new ways … Continue reading The pandemic – a stimulus to healthcare innovation
-
Future lies in expanded primary and community care and fewer hospitals
I wrote this article in September 2019, below is the first paragraph and and link to the piece. OPINION: The interim report of the health and disability review panel confirms much of what we already know: while … Continue reading Future lies in expanded primary and community care and fewer hospitals
-
What have we learned in Auckland healthcare from the level-4 lockdown?
Peter Davis, a retired professor at Auckland University, founder and head of the COMPASS research group. Specialist in health policy and health science.
-
‘Bill English has slammed the big pay rise for the Super Fund boss. Here’s why he’s wrong’
The Spinoff, 24 February 2017 Adrian Orr’s 23% salary increase has been decried by everyone from the PM down. But Orr is no ordinary public service boss: he’s a savvy corporate investor, responsible … Continue reading ‘Bill English has slammed the big pay rise for the Super Fund boss. Here’s why he’s wrong’
