New Zealand’s housing debate is often framed as a contest between affordability and community. But the real story is more complicated. In this episode, Executive Director Tim Wilson is joined by Researcher Thomas Scrimgeour to unpack an apparent policy “U-turn” on housing intensification.

They examine the rumoured changes and what they could mean for the future of housing. Along the way, the conversation explores why land prices matter, why homeowners and renters experience the debate differently, and how we might pursue more homes without losing what makes a place feel like home.

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Nearly everyone might benefit from hospice services, whether for themselves or for loved ones, but access to specialist palliative care is still patchy and it’s only sustained by private fundraising. In this episode, Research Manager Maryanne Spurdle speaks with Hospice NZ Chief Executive Wayne Naylor about what hospices do, the challenges they face, and what would improve Kiwis' end-of-life care.

Wayne explains how hospices serve people in hospitals, communities, and their own homes; how the funding model leaves all providers fundraising for core services; and why New Zealand’s international palliative care ranking has steadily declined. He also discusses how attitudes toward death in health care shape the system’s priorities, and whether proposed legislation could ensure fairer access to care.

We finish by asking how ordinary New Zealanders can support quality end-of-life care.

Can your money do good and make a return?

In this episode, lawyer and community finance leader Steven Moe explains how organisations are using investment—not just donations—to fund projects that change lives. From community housing to employment pathways for ex-prisoners, Steven shows how impact investing is generating real outcomes across the country.

We explore the rapid growth of New Zealand’s impact investing market, including the country’s largest-ever $200m social impact bond, and why major trusts and foundations are rethinking how they invest their capital. Steven also breaks down how KiwiSaver providers are giving everyday people access to impact-focused portfolios, and what needs to change for impact investing to scale.

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