Browsing by Author "Knierim, Merle"
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Restricted The Decision to Legalise Cannabis: Is It Overdue?(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2011) Knierim, MerleThe paper deals with the issue of whether cannabis should be legalised. Despite the prohibition of cannabis, its use is widespread all over the world. However, even if the issue is discussed in the media every now and then, a legalisation of cannabis is not in sight, neither in New Zealand nor anywhere else. After a short overview of the most important facts regarding cannabis, the paper will present the supposed dangers of cannabis use. Following this, the issue of whether the prohibition of cannabis is an appropriate means to prevent the use of cannabis is examined. Afterwards, the potential threats of cannabis will be analysed and compared to the dangers of alcohol and tobacco. It is argued that the prohibition of cannabis has failed and that legally permitting cannabis could be a chance for a better control of the cannabis market. Furthermore, it is stated that the prohibition of cannabis is an unjustified limitation of the consumers’ self-determination rights. Finally, the author will conclude that the legalisation of cannabis is an overdue decision.Item Restricted New Zealand's Policies to Reduce Emissions: Enough to Achieve the Short-Term(2012) or Long-Term (2050) Emissions Reduction Targets?(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2011) Knierim, MerleThe paper deals with the issue whether New Zealand’s policies to reduce Emissions are sufficient to achieve its short-term (2012) or long-term (2050) emissions reduction targets. As the ongoing climate change is one of the most important challenges of the 21st century, the national policies of developed countries have to be an appropriate response to this problem. On the basis of the Kyoto Protocol, New Zealand is committed not to emit more greenhouse gases than in 1990 per year until 2012. Beyond that, New Zealand has published the domestic target to halve its greenhouse gas emissions of 1990 until 2050. After a short overview of New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions development from 1990 until 2009, the paper will present the most important measures of New Zealand, in particular the NZ ETS, to achieve these emissions reduction targets. Following this, these provisions will be analysed and evaluated regarding their efficiency and clarity. Moreover, the paper will present improvement suggestions for the existing policies and suggest some possible, new measures to reduce greenhouse gases. Finally, the author will conclude that the short-term target might be achievable with the current policy, but not the long-term target.Item Restricted Parental Leave, Maternity Protection and Part-time Work: Should New Zealand Learn from the German Approach Regarding Family-friendly Labour Market Policy?(Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, 2011) Knierim, MerleThe paper deals with the parental leave and part-time-work policy in Germany and New Zealand. As nowadays, men as well as women often want to/ have to work and want to raise a family, the possibilities of working part-time and taking parental leave are very important. However, many employers do not want to offer part-time work on a voluntary basis. Regarding a certain period of complete leave of the employees after birth, there are normally no obvious advantages for employers at all. Another important issue is the payment during parental leave. Therefore, the states have to offer appropriate legal solutions that consult the interests of both sides and support parents. After a short overview about international provisions regarding parental leave and part-time work, the paper examines how Germany and New Zealand have reacted to this challenge and compares the two approaches. The New Zealand legislation regarding part-time work and parental leave is not sufficient. In particular there should be more support for parents who want to work part-time and there should be an extended period of paid leave including increased rates of payment. Despite the different ‘legal origins’ and differences in economy and wealth of Germany and New Zealand, New Zealand should at least consider to adopt some basic German ideas in order to improve the level of support for employees with children.