Jane Kelsey, Professor of Law at the University of Auckland and one of New Zealand’s most astute social commentators will present the Quaker Lecture 2017, 7.00pm, Saturday 13 May at El Rancho, 58 Weggery Drive, Waikanae Beach. Entry is free.
Professor Kelsey warns New Zealanders about the dangers of a “cocooned”, neo-liberal mind set in the free public lecture entitled “Transcending Neoliberalism: Moving From A State Of Denial To Progressive Transformation.”
Neo-liberalism is associated with free-market capitalism and the widening gap between rich and poor.
“The world is changing rapidly in very uncertain ways,” Professor Kelsey says. “A neoliberal mind-set of living for ourselves today and hoping tomorrow will look after itself permeates government, business, and many Kiwis’ psyches.”
Professor Kelsey suggests that New Zealand risks an economic, social and political catastrophe unless we are prepared to confront unhealthy symptoms that include a shallow productive base, dangerous levels of household and rural debt, chronic failure to invest in infrastructure, environmental unsustainability, and over-dependence on China.
She also addresses changes New Zealand needs to make to move beyond neoliberal, free market capitalism by applying values of truth, integrity and social justice to the potentially harsh realities of the 21st century.
Professor Kelsey has written a number of books and many articles critical of the neoliberal restructuring of the New Zealand state, Treaty of Waitangi policy and international economic regulation. She travels extensively, talking on globalisation, free trade agreements and lessons for other countries from New Zealand’s neoliberal experiment to a wide range of audiences.
The lecture will include time for questions followed by refreshments and opportunities for further discussion.
The Quaker Lecture is an annual event that is offered free to Quakers and the wider community. All welcome.
What: Professor Jane Kelsey presents the Quaker Lecture 2017,
“Transcending Neoliberalism: Moving From A State Of Denial To Progressive Transformation”
When: 7.00pm, Saturday 13 May
Where: El Rancho, 58 Weggery Drive, Waikanae Beach.
Entry: Free
