Right at the end of last year 17 of our Economics students entered this competition, with four of them winning prizes.

Amelia Ross was First and Holly Hance was Second in the junior essay on Should we be harder on criminals?

Compare and contrast two or more political parties’ proposed changes to our criminal justice system and the advantages and disadvantages of them. Consider cultural perspectives of alternative ways of resolving criminal wrongdoing in your answer.

Bethany Crossan was Second in the junior essay on Should we keep our borders closed to try and prevent the spread of Covid-19?

Identify the key health and economic issues created by Covid-19 and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of keeping the border closed. Use examples of how other nations have successfully or unsuccessfully addressed Covid-19 at the border.

Paige Bowman was Second in the senior essay on What are the legal and wider societal implications of Aotearoa’s approach to Covid-19?

Identify the key legal and societal issues created by Covid-19 and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the approach taken in Aotearoa. Use examples of how other nations have successfully or unsuccessfully addressed Covid-19. Include a detailed discussion of the High Court case of Borrowdale v Director-General of Health [2020] NZHC 2090, which found that the first nine days of the Level 4 lockdown were unlawful but justified.

 Amelia won $300 and the others won $250 each, and we have some lovely certificates to hand out to them at the next assembly.