Improving public debate

Good decision making relies on rational, informed and constructive public debate. We need to look at ways to ensure that people have access to reliable information and that their voices are heard.

Support journalism and investigative reporting

Social cohesion is being eroded by increasing inequality and political polarisation. Economic policy is needed to tackle these issues, but so too are policies to improve the conditions for public debate. We propose the creation of a fund to support journalism and investigative reporting so that New Zealanders have better access to quality information.

Make social media platforms safer

It is widely recognised that social media platforms play a major role in spreading mis- and dis-information. We propose investigating how harmful mis- and dis-information can be better managed in Aotearoa. Building on work done elsewhere, this could involve making sure that platform owners are required to remove content that is verifiably false or be held to account for it. This would build on the work of the Advertising Standards Authority and the Broadcasting Standards Authority in New Zealand.