On 10 April prominent economist and commentator Shamubeel Eaqub will deliver a presentation in Havelock North, Rebuilding New Zealand.

There’s a challenge, as NZ endures a productivity and infrastructure crisis, its organic roots compounded by confounding global geopolitics.

Promotion for the presentation says: “New Zealand’s social fabric is fraying amidst tectonic shifts in global and local politics, aging, and climate change. Drawing on research into social cohesion, this talk explores emerging divides, the economic pressures shaping them, and practical pathways to rebuild trust, fairness, and shared opportunity.”

Eaqub is presently Chief Economist at Simplicity. His career has seen him contribute his expertise at leading institutions, including ANZ Bank, Goldman Sachs, JBWere,  and NZIER. 

Among his published works and especially pertinent to Hawke’s Bay is Growing Apart: Regional Prosperity in New Zealand.

Eaqub is known for provocative, contrarian views. So come get agitated while supporting our libraries!

His presentation is hosted by Friends of Hastings District Libraries, Friday 10 April, 12pm, at the Havelock North Function Centre.

Tickets are available at Eventfinda for $10 each (plus fee), or cash only at the door. Supported by Milestone Financial.

Perhaps a good intellectual warm-up for populist Winston Peters, who’s speaking to the public at Hastings’ Toitoi two days later, Sunday 12 April at 2pm!