David joined The New Zealand Initiative as a Senior Fellow after spending three years in the Economics Department of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris. Between 2003 and 2016 he worked in the New Zealand public sector, undertaking economic research and analysis for the Treasury, the Commerce Commission and the Electricity Authority.
David holds a PhD in economics from Victoria University of Wellington with a focus on policy evaluation in the areas of savings and housing.
Research Note: Rent Controls - The next mistake in housing policy (2021)
Research Note: Educational Performance and Funding in New Zealand: Are our children getting the education they deserve? (2021)
Policy Point: Minimum wages to the maximum: The risks of lifting the minimum wage (2020)
Policy Point: Misdirection on housing affordability unhelpful (2020)
Roadmap for Recovery: Briefing to the Incoming Government (2020)
Policy Point: Borrowing to Save: Retirement Income Policy after Covid-19 (2020)
Policy Point: For better or for worse - How governments respond to crisis (2020)
Policy Point: Relief measures: comparing Covid-19 wage subsidy schemes (2020)
Policy Point: Stay on Target (2020)
Policy Point: Short-time work to maintain employment (2020)
Scroll down to read the rest of David's work.
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In May, Budget 2021 revealed that work was underway to develop an unemployment insurance scheme. This would see benefits tied to past employment and wages in some way, and those benefits would be generous compared to the status quo. Read more
When presenting Budget 2021 in May, Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced that an unemployment insurance (UI) scheme was being developed for New Zealand. Prior to this, the Productivity Commission had considered UI as part of its inquiry into technological change and the future of work, as had the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Read more
Senior Fellow Dr David Law discusses his new paper on the Government’s plans to introduce an unemployment insurance scheme. To listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more
Wellington (Thursday, 11 November 2021) A new unemployment insurance scheme would be another tax on income, with little benefit, and increase unemployment, according to a new report from The New Zealand Initiative. The think tank warns that the scheme could constitute a 2 – 3% tax increase for every Kiwi worker in the medium-term. Read more
Work is underway to design an unemployment insurance (UI) scheme for New Zealand. Such schemes are compulsory and require contributions from individuals. Read more
Work is underway to design an unemployment insurance (UI) scheme for New Zealand. Details are limited, but a more complete policy proposal for consultation is expected later this year. Read more
Dr David Law joins Ben Craven to discuss what we know about the Government’s plans for unemployment insurance, and what such a scheme could look like for New Zealanders. To listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more
Ben Craven talks to New Zealand Initiative Senior Fellow Dr David Law about the implications of rising inflation, and how a different type of mortgage could make it more affordable to get on the housing ladder. If you would like to listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more
In late May, Budget 2021 revealed that work was underway to develop an unemployment insurance scheme. This would see benefits tied to past employment and wages in some way. Read more
Inflation numbers for the June quarter are out. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 3.3% in the year to June. Read more
Senior fellow David Law discusses changes to Kiwisaver with Oliver Hartwich. If you would like to listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more
In recent months there have been a few changes to KiwiSaver with more under consideration. But those who are inclined to tinker with the scheme should be looking at the evidence on its efficacy and thinking about whether any changes are consistent with its objective – to help those with a savings problem save more for their retirement. Read more
To maximise wellbeing, important public policies and programmes must work. They should be rigorously evaluated to ensure that they have the intended effect, are efficient, and meet their objectives. Read more
When presenting Budget 2021 last week, Finance Minister Grant Robertson announced that work is underway to develop an unemployment insurance scheme. Details are limited. Read more
In this podcast Dr David Law discusses the idea of unemployment insurance for New Zealand. If you would like to listen to our latest podcasts, please subscribe to The New Zealand Initiative podcast on iTunes, Spotify or The Podcast App. Read more