Wellington central government job losses have begun. The sector has grown a lot in recent years. Last National-led government also cut in first term, but had to hire again after in following terms. Hard to do ambitious reforms and delivery without public servants.

Workplace H&S is a big issue for NZ because we aren't very good. Even excluding Whakaari, NZ workplace fatality rate in the last decade is 2.8x higher than Australia. If we matched Australia, 280 people would still be alive. Not killing people isn't reactionary. Q+A

NZ inflation at 4% in March 24 moderating alongside international peers. Quarterly rate annualised at ~2.4% looking promising for rest of year.

NZ home insurance costs are increasing fast. As expected given massive insured losses (eg see Insurance Council of NZ/Te Kāhui Inihua o Aotearoa ) from climate events last year here and abroad. Over the past decade dwelling insurance cost +104%, wages +46%, CPI +30%.

How much of the ‘Covid hangover’ is hiding longer term fraying of the social fabric? Put forward some of my emerging thoughts on this on The Detail on RNZ . rnz.co.nz/programmes/the…

Alcohol creates significant harm to individuals, close ones and society. It’s off the charts on this paper. Bit nerdy and for those curious: ias.org.uk/uploads/pdf/Ne…