Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?
- Written by Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington

Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and general waste have dominated headlines.
But the story is also a window into the wider debate about the politics of “fiscal...