This paper compares the role of microfinance schemes in developing and developed country contexts. Research and reporting on microfinance programmes in developing countries is vast, but there is currently little analysis of similar schemes in developed country settings. This paper contributes a...

This paper compares the role of microfinance schemes in developing and developed country contexts. Research and reporting on microfinance programmes in developing countries is vast, but there is currently little analysis of similar schemes in developed country settings. This paper contributes a...

When setting public policies on retirement incomes, governments should focus on objectives they have a unique capacity to influence. Only governments can reliably eliminate poverty in old age, level the tax and regulatory playing fields for financial service providers/savers and gather...

In at least some respects, the pensions "problem" is a reflection of a country's profile and history. To set this paper in perspective, Table 1 shows New Zealand at a glance. It both explains New Zealand and summarises what this paper defines as the "New Zealand Way" (definitions on page 3)....

In 2001, the government established the New Zealand Superannuation Fund. This is intended to partially pre-fund the future costs of New Zealand Superannuation, the universal Tier 1 pension payable to all New Zealanders over age 65. The incoming, National-led government suspended contributions in...