Max Salmon is a Research Fellow at the New Zealand Initiative. He joins as a generalist, with interests in education, infrastructure, and energy.
Prior to joining the initiative, Max worked in research and policy in the private sector, and with the COVID-19 response group at DPMC. Max has a BA majoring in Classical Studies and Philosophy from Victoria University of Wellington and has recently completed an MSc in Philosophy and Public Policy at the London School of Economics.
As localism – the idea that local communities should have more control over decisions that affect them – gains political capital, questions naturally arise: What would localist policies look like? What do councils think about localism? Read more
In this podcast episode, Oliver interviews Max Salmon about the findings of a recent survey of New Zealand local government officials, detailed in his latest research note called "The Pulse of Local Government." The survey reveals that local councils generally desire more autonomy from central government, feel financial pressures from population growth, and support localism, but also highlights some contradictions in their views on amalgamation and their relationship with ratepayers. Read Max Salmon's research note "The Pulse of Local Government" here. Read more
Wellington (Thursday, 22 August 2024) - A new survey reveals that local councils across New Zealand want more power to make decisions for their communities, rather than having rules set by the central government in Wellington. The New Zealand Initiative, an independent think tank, surveyed New Zealand's mayors, councillors, and council chief executives. Read more
A new survey reveals that local councils across New Zealand want more power to make decisions for their communities, rather than having rules set by the central government in Wellington. The New Zealand Initiative, an independent think tank, surveyed New Zealand's mayors, councillors, and council chief executives. Read more
New Zealand’s councils want more of a say over local matters. Informed by local knowledge, they believe they can make better choices for their people than the central government in Wellington. Read more
New Zealand’s most recent Public Services Commissioner announced his retirement in September 2023. He retired in February 2024. Read more
In a groundbreaking move to elevate New Zealand's cultural standing on the world stage, the government has announced plans to subsidise the production of Shortland Street to the tune of millions. The long-running soap opera, known for its focus on extramarital affairs and promotion of D-listers, is now entering the pantheon of Kiwi high culture. Read more
New Zealand's superannuation scheme is laudable for its universal and simple approach to ensuring dignity for our elders. However, the system's simplicity obscures unfortunate truth – it will punish our younger generations. Read more
New Zealand could use some easy wins. A miasma of slow stagnation appears to be settling over the country. Read more
It is time we liberalised our Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) regulations. Benefits to New Zealand would include pest-resistant crops, more productive crops and fruit, sterile pines for forestry, reduced carbon emissions, reduced agricultural methane, better healthcare products, cheaper medication, and pest control. Read more
Cast your mind back to the tense post-election negotiations of last year. Despite the prolonged talks, frequent clashes in the media and ominous noises from Winston, we all knew how it would end: a three-way coalition between National, Act, and New Zealand First. Read more
Listen to Initiative Research Fellow Max Salmon and Mike Hosking discuss Max's new paper Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze.
Max Salmon on NewstalkZB Read more
How complex is too complex? My new report for the New Zealand Initiative, Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze, poses this question with respect to the executive branch of New Zealand’s Government. Read more
The New Zealand Initiative's Executive Director Oliver Hartwich and Research Fellow Max Salmon discuss Max's research note Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze with Former Minister Stuart Nash. Read Cabinet Congestion here. Read more
Initiative research fellow Max Salmon discusses his latest report Cabinet Congestion with the NBR. Read Max's report Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze here. Read more