Nick is a Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, focusing on local government, resource management, and economic policy.
Nick brings 30 years of policy and advocacy experience both inside and outside government. He joins us after 19 years at Federated Farmers, as the National Policy Manager. Nick managed a team of policy advisors, and led work on economic policy, including fiscal, tax, monetary, banking, competition, and overseas investment policies.
He also worked extensively on local government policy issues and has been the administrator of the Local Government Business Forum, a grouping of national business organisations interested in local government policy issues.
There is plenty to like about Auckland, but its traffic is not one of them. As a South Islander, who makes occasional visits to the City of Sails, I dread its infamous traffic. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Easter is here, a rare four-day weekend when many of us will travel for getaways, see family and friends, or host those who have travelled to us. Yet Easter can be a trap for the unwary. Read more
Imagine asking a CEO to transform a struggling company but giving them just enough time to redecorate the office before facing shareholders again. This is essentially what we do with our three-year parliamentary terms. The Government's introduction of a Bill enabling a four-year term is a once in a generation opportunity for change. Read more
Much of my work for The New Zealand Initiative is on local government. I am interested in how local government can contribute to a growing economy. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Gene Technology Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
In 2002, the ‘Corngate’ controversy broke in the media. Journalist John Campbell blindsided then-PM Helen Clark with allegations that genetically modified (GM) corn had been accidentally released in New Zealand. Read more
It is hard to believe today, but a TV interview about genetic modification (GM) once upended an election campaign. That interview cast a long shadow over the use of GM in New Zealand. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Resource Management (Consents and Other Systems Changes) Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Nick Clark talks about his latest report urging for local government reform. Listen below. Read more
New Zealand's local government is facing a crisis of democracy, but international examples show a way forward. This is the key message from my report, Making Local Government Work, released by the New Zealand Initiative this week. Read more
In this episode, Oliver and Nick discuss the fundamental problems with New Zealand's local government system, particularly how elected officials often lack real power while unelected bureaucrats and chief executives wield excessive influence. Nick's new report "Making Local Government Work" proposes five potential solutions, ranging from implementing a German-style "Super Mayor" model to giving councillors more oversight powers, with some reforms likely achievable under the current Government. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the National Infrastructure Plan Discussion Document is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Wellington (Tuesday, 10 December 2024) - New Zealand’s local government problems stem from a fundamental flaw that can be fixed, research released today reveals. “We have identified the root cause of council dysfunction: mayors and councillors lack the power to deliver what they promise voters. Read more
New Zealand’s local government problems stem from a fundamental flaw that can be fixed, research released today reveals. “We have identified the root cause of council dysfunction: mayors and councillors lack the power to deliver what they promise voters. Read more