Fabian Society Launches Resilient Economy Seminar Series

The New Zealand Fabian Society will launch a seminar series this month in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Entitled “Bold ideas for a better future” the first seminar features economist Ganesh Nana, media commentator Rod Oram, prominent businessman Selwyn Pellett and John Walley from the Manufacturers and Exporters Association.

The first seminar series will be set around the theme of building a resilient economy – one that is fit for 21st century scenarios, resistant to shocks, ecologically adaptable and responsive.

NZ Fabian Society chair Mike Smith says there is a general consensus that the New Zealand economy faces huge problems – our exports are low, our debt is high and our relative standard of living continues to decline.
“As a small, open trading economy with a heavy reliance on commodity exports coupled with a volatile exchange rate we are prone to ‘boom and bust’ cycles. But the public discourse for many years has been limited to the solutions of the neo-liberal theorists – solutions that haven't worked. New Zealand Fabians believe that we need a wider debate, and a wider range of progressive options and solutions to consider and discuss,” says Smith.
“When the International Monetary Fund says that our central bank should also focus on controlling the exchange rate and not just have a narrow focus on inflation, we know for certain that it is time for a rethink.”

Fabian Societies have helped develop an independent social-democratic tradition throughout the 20th century in English-speaking countries, particularly Britain and Australia, says Smith.

“Fabian Societies have been established and been active in New Zealand from time to time – it is our view that it is time to become active again,” he says.

“The New Zealand Fabian Society aims to generate and disseminate ideas that are original, meet the challenge of the times, and are of high quality. Our values are that we are independent of all political parties, open and progressive. We do not believe that ‘there is no alternative’. It is our view that not enough alternatives are being presented or debated. It is because we want to change this that our motto is: ‘Inciting debate – Wero o te ahi’.”

People interested may find out more about our seminars and lectures and register via our website at www.fabians.org.nz

ENDS

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