Easton Weighs In on Economic Matters: Dual Mandate, Local Authorities, and Trade Wars

Brian Easton recently opined on various economic matters in New Zealand and beyond.

The dual mandate, which is a contentious issue in monetary policy, refers to whether the Reserve Bank should target both unemployment and prices. Labour wants this dual mandate included in RBNZ legislation, while National does not.

Easton notes that the US Federal Reserve has a similar dual mandate, but he believes the Government should clarify that price stability is a means to an end, whereas low unemployment is a part of wellbeing.

The article also critiques the treatment of local authorities by the central government, likening it to bullying. Easton suggests that amalgamating councils into larger communities could be beneficial, but only if done organically and with consideration for local interests.