Centrist: Does The Conversation ever show the other side of the Treaty story?

In brief:

• Māori activist voices are important, but The Conversation, like many media publications, lack balance with opposing or neutral views.
• Experts quoted by The Conversation may have vested interests or other biases in maintaining Treaty-based rights, raising impartiality concerns.
• More balanced coverage presenting multiple perspectives is needed to promote an informed public debate.

Stephen Franks: Aus research says bigger not better in local government – will business leaders notice?

“Do mergers make for better councils? The evidence is against ‘bigger is better’ for local government“. That’s how The Conversation on 31 March summarised some unequivocal Australian research findings.

They confirm just how lucky Wellington region, Hawkes Bay and Northland were to dodge the amalgamation bullets prepared by the nobs of New Zealand local government, and recent Ministers. The Australian research is consistent with international evidence reviewed by economist Phil Barry of TDB Advisory before his advice confirmed for Hutt City Council that resisting amalgamation was in the interests of their city and ratepayers.