Social sciences and public policy news

National politics in local government

The problem with local body candidates aligning with national political parties.

Storytelling for a better world

Meet AUT alumna Elina Ashimbayeva, a storyteller, advocate and human rights champion driven by curiosity, passion and a mission to create change.

Uniting policy, business & people

Meet AUT alumnus Mohamud Mohamed, a visionary leader dedicated to diversity, resilience, and bridging gaps in policy, business and community.

NZ's barriers to economic growth

In Aotearoa New Zealand, we face a series of political barriers to similar change, writes Kate Nicholls for The Conversation.

COP 29: who pays for climate action?

This year’s United Nations climate summit, the Conference of the Parties (COP29), has been dubbed the “finance COP”.

Mental flexibility and vaccine attitude

Making decisions about our health – including whether or not to get vaccinated – appears to depend on more than just receiving the 'right' information.

Identify and challenge blackface

This Halloween is a good time to identify and challenge instances of blackface and cultural appropriation, Senior Lecturer Elba Ramirez says.

'Nature markets' exploitation risk

As the latest global biodiversity summit gets underway in Colombia, nature markets pose risks as well as opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Jack and Jill can teach us about the CGT

In NZ, capital gains tax debates are like zombies, constantly getting killed off and coming back to life. The debate needs a broader definition of “fair”.

What do we mean by wellbeing?

The measurement of wellbeing worldwide should be extended to include concepts of collective wellbeing.