Labour’s coalition agreements give good (if vague) indications that it might.

This could create a strong incentive for parties to engage with the public, while spreading influence equally.

Although more money is going into poor families’ pockets, there may be a lot of what is called ‘landlord capture’: landlords may capture much or most of that increased income by raising rents.

A well-designed set of events, strong institutional support and public pressure would help create a culture of engagement.

New Zealand’s current level of inequality is roughly equivalent to its early-2000s level. But its long-standing nature actually makes it worse.

Give people enough time, and expert advice, and they will amaze you with the quality of the decisions they take.

The more closely people can control certain budget decisions, the better the quality of those decisions and the services that result.

Why should we wait around for Parliament, when we have good ideas of our own?

How does democracy protect the interests of those who don’t get a vote?

National dominates the fundraising stakes, while donations over $15,000 make up half of all donations to parties.