Greens want Muldoonist policies back

The Greens policy to bring back Muldoon’s rent controls is a good example of why they should never be allowed important portfolios.

There are many many things economists disagree on, but the impact of rent controls of housing supply is not one of them. A survey of 17 leading NZ economists found only 6% (ie 1 out of 17) who thought rent controls would have a positive impact on the amount and quality of affordable rental housing.

The science is basically settled on this. Sure rent controls will benefit a few lucky people, but it will produce greater harm overall.