Independent Analysis and Reportage
New Zealand is almost completely dependent on four things for its survival in the contemporary world. Imported wheat, rice, and refined fuel. And ships.
Analysis by Keith Rankin, 17 April 2026 My first paragraphs here feature Steve Keen, Australian economist, who was a panellist on Al Jazeera’s Inside Story 12 April 2026 (Could the Iran war pose lasting risks to global food security?, or here on YouTube): Interviewer: “You’ve warned that the world could face famine within months … ... <a title="Keith Rankin Analysis – Marooned in the Pacific Ocean: Famine Down-Under?" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2026/04/20/keith-rankin-analysis-marooned-in-the-pacific-ocean-famine-down-under/" aria-label="Read more about Keith Rankin Analysis – Marooned in the Pacific Ocean: Famine Down-Under?">Read more</a>
Essay by Keith Rankin. Fresh vegetables and fruit – quality foods – are what economists call a merit good, like primary health care, education and urban public transport. By contrast, ‘junk food’ – rich in sugar – is a demerit good. We in New Zealand and many other countries have a problem: too much unhealthy ... <a title="Keith Rankin Essay – Subsidise Vegetables and Fruit" class="read-more" href="https://eveningreport.nz/2023/08/15/keith-rankin-essay-subsidise-vegetables-and-fruit/" aria-label="Read more about Keith Rankin Essay – Subsidise Vegetables and Fruit">Read more</a>
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