Oliver is the Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative. Before joining the Initiative, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, the Chief Economist at the Policy Exchange in London, and an advisor in the UK House of Lords.
Oliver holds a master's degree in economics and business administration and a PhD in Law from Bochum University in Germany.
Oliver is available to comment on all of the Initiative’s research areas.
Phone: +64 4 499 0790
To put it mildly, the three parties forming the new government are diverse. Their philosophies do not always overlap. Read more
When New Zealanders look at Switzerland, they see a country that may superficially remind them of their own. Mountains, lakes and stunning scenery are features of both New Zealand and Switzerland. Read more
The new Labour/NZ First government should be looking to Switzerland for inspiration when it comes to implementing some of its key policies, for example its unique local governance system. Oliver Hartwich explains why. Read more
Judging by its coalition agreements, the new Government’s unofficial motto is not to do everything differently but to do a lot of things better. But not every change is for the better. Read more
Almost a month after the election, New Zealand is about to have a new government. Yes, other countries take longer to negotiate coalitions. Read more
Oliver Hartwich talks to Ross Greenwood on 2GB, Sydney's premier news and talk radio station, about Winston Peters deciding to back Jacinda Ardern as the next Prime Minister of New Zealand. Read more
It is Friday, 13 October and I am not writing about the coalition talks. We would have hoped to have a new government by now. Read more
When I am commenting on the New Zealand election, I have an unfair advantage. Having grown up in a country that has been practising MMP for almost seven decades, I am well versed in it. Read more
On ABC NewsRadio, Dr Oliver Hartwich talks about the results of the election and he looks forward to what will happen in the next few weeks. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich is one of the guests in the live post election special on Radio NZ. Read more
We probably all lost count how many times we have now heard the phrase “that extraordinary election this year.” And indeed, by all accounts, it was unusual in many ways. Since Bill English announced the election date on 1 February, we have had nearly eight months of campaigning. Read more
Every now and then, you come across an idea that makes you wonder why you had never thought of it before. I experienced such a moment on Tuesday when I met American author, speaker and entrepreneur Lisa Witter. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich looks in 'Between The Lines' on ABC Radio National back on the campaign period. He also answers the question whether Jacinda Ardern has enough experience to lead New Zealand. Read more
Two months ago the outcome of New Zealand's election was a given with the National party well ahead. Then the opposition changed leaders. Read more
Unlike Australia, New Zealand's electoral system is a mirror image of its German counterpart. This weekend, both countries will vote in a new parliament. Read more