Proponents of regulations and taxes on products increasingly justify interventions as “nudges” – intended to prod consumers to take better decisions. But do consumers really need government to nudge them? Are there more effective ways to enable consumers to make better decisions?

Using as examples the revolution in nicotine delivery systems (especially vape products such as “electronic cigarettes”) and sharing economy services (Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, etc.), Julian Morris will present evidence that in many cases online information sharing offers a more individualized way for consumers to acquire reliable and relevant information about and effect improvements in product quality.

About the speaker

Julian Morris is Vice President of Research at Reason Foundation, a US-based think tank. An expert on the regulation of risk, Mr Morris is the author of over 50 scholarly articles and several books, including, most recently “The Vapour Revolution: How Bottom Up Innovation is Saving Lives.” He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a Senior Fellow at the International Center for Law and Economics. Mr Morris has spoken in New Zealand numerous times and testified before New Zealand’s Royal Commission on Genetic Modification.

Monday 28 November 2016
12.30 pm - 12.45 pm   Arrival
12.45 pm - 1.45 pm     Presentation and Q & A

Location
Victoria University of Wellington
Lecture Theatre 2, GBLT2
Old Government Building
55 Lambton Quay
Pipitea Campus
Wellington