Dr Oliver Hartwich: Time to escape NZ's health and safety mad house

The other day, I popped into a café in Wellington for my usual flat white. As I waited for my coffee, I noticed a selection of nut packages on display. So far, so unremarkable – until I read the attached label: “Warning: May contain nuts.”

I could not help but chuckle at the absurdity. Of course, a package of nuts may contain nuts. Let me be clear: for those with nut allergies, such warnings are entirely appropriate and necessary. But on a packet of nuts? It seemed to encapsulate a world where rational thinking has been regulated into oblivion.