Monthly Archives: September 2011

Green with envy

As many know, Christchurch has been divided into four zones: Red; orange, white and green. Less well known – but increasingly apparent -there are interesting emotional and social psychological divisions emerging in a way that neatly maps onto that zoning. … Continue reading

Posted in Earthquakes, New Zealand Politics, politics of envy | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Believing what you need to believe

It’s a common belief that politics and policy-making would be better if it availed itself of the fruits of scientific endeavour. Some call it ‘evidence-based policy‘ and it is often those on the left who call for much more of … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Human Wellbeing, New Zealand Politics, Political Psychology | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

On choices – good and bad

As the election draws near, it’s clear that ‘welfare reform’ will be one of the main areas of discussion and debate. It’s also, historically, an area littered with sloganesque arguments that fly around like empty cartridge shells at the OK … Continue reading

Posted in Human Wellbeing, New Zealand Politics, Welfare | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments