Is New Zealand’s government running scared or just responding to events? Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has lit two policy bonfires in just two months, but is it a cynical ploy for re-election or a prudent response to challenges like inflation and natural disasters? In our weekly column, Senior Researcher Marcus Roberts weighs in on the debate, questioning whether dropping unpopular policies signifies representative democracy or a failure to lead. As the election approaches, the article raises important questions about the role of government in balancing public opinion and long-term goals.

Join us as we highlight some of the more thought-provoking aspects of our column, talk about the critical issues, and listen to the column read by the author.