Michael Johnston: Utopia 2040

It was a sunny morning in 2040.

I got on my electric bike and rode through my Auckland neighbourhood. My destination was the local supermarket.

I fancied a hamburger for lunch. Although livestock farming had been banned in 2030, a tasty array of lab-grown meat was available. Some people preferred the more natural flavour of weta patties. They were a cheaper option too, ever since they had been added to the burgeoning list of GST exemptions. But I found them a little crunchy for my taste.

Bryce Wilkinson: Government profligacy is unkind

Last week’s government Budget increased projected government operating spending over the next four years by $8.4 billion while projected revenue fell by $10.7 billion. Projected government borrowing rose by $20 billion.

Treasury now projects net debt in June 2027 to be $84 billion higher than in June 2019.

Those are massive sums when spread over less than two million households.