Grinch

This should be fun.

2014 Public Finance Great Festive Debate

The Government Economics Network and Chair in Public Finance present:

THIS HOUSE BELIEVES THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA IS A WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY

Andy Williams reckoned “Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet while a fine singer he was no economist and so at this event two teams will debate the lessons that economics provides on this season.

Speakers for and against include Eric Crampton, Head of Research, New Zealand Initiative;Patrick Nolan, Principal Adviser, New Zealand Productivity Commission;Bronwyn Croxson, Chief Economist, Ministry of Health; and Anne-Marie Brook, Principal Adviser, The Treasury

See our flyer for more information.

11 December 2014
3.00 to 4.00 pm followed by refreshments
G.02 and G.03, Ground Floor, MBIE, 15 Stout Street
RSVP by 4 December to Libby or call 04 463 9656

I didn't express a preference for either side on this one; I'm to be arguing in the affirmative. Since I'm contrarian, and since the horrible inefficiency of Christmas is now well-established, it would have been perhaps more fun arguing for the efficiency of Christmas. I'll endeavour to go a bit beyond the usual deadweight-cost inefficiency arguments in making the case against Christmas.

Explaining Daddy's day at work to the kids will be even more fun than usual come 11 December.

Previously: Coase and the Whos.