Ranked #1 in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Index for the seventh consecutive year, Switzerland is one of the most successful countries in the world. It is home to world-class companies and research institutions. Read more
After the December reshuffle, the New Zealand government includes, for the first time, a Minister for Social Investment. In Hon Amy Adams, the Investment Approach now has a prominent seat at the cabinet table - she is ranked 6th in Prime Minister English's administration. Read more
Following its decision to withdraw from the European Union, Britain will regain control over its trade policies. This opens new opportunities for the UK but also for its traditional trading partners such as New Zealand. Read more
Our Retreat is the chance to discuss social and economic issues with members and bring those issues to the attention of New Zealand’s leading politicians. Please contact Chelsy at chelsy.blair@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. Read more
Trade after Brexit: The future of UK/NZ relations with guest speaker: The Rt. Hon. Read more
Proponents of regulations and taxes on products increasingly justify interventions as “nudges” – intended to prod consumers to take better decisions. But do consumers really need government to nudge them? Read more
As minister for heath, Jonathan Coleman is responsible for the single biggest item in the New Zealand government’s budget. The lunch meeting with Minister Coleman will be a good opportunity to hear not only about his plans for health policy but also about the government’s stance on lifestyle regulations. Read more
Local government plays an important role, one that is often overlooked. When things like roading and recycling work well, they are barely noticed. Read more
Following on from the success of last year’s event, and a year out from the next election, this is a great opportunity to meet leading Labour politicians and privately discuss policy issues of common interest. About the speaker Andrew Little was elected to Parliament in 2011, and Labour Party leader in 2014. Read more
"In a connected world no man is an island and neither is his country” Economies and workforces are now globalised with wealth generation determined by the connectivity of national infrastructures, industrial investment and workforce adaptability. Unfortunately, history gives us little guidance to our future as we have never before enjoyed such technological riches or endured the accelerating rates of change! Read more
Come along and listen to some of New Zealand’s top university debaters battle over the moot: This house believes New Zealand should accommodate 60,000 refugees per year. We have panellists Hon Paul Goldsmith, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs (National) and Denise Roche, Spokesperson for Immigration, Pacific Peoples, and Ethnic Affairs (Green Party)
Date: Wednesday, 24 August 2016
Time: 5.30 PM - 8.00 PM
Location: City Gallery Wellington, Civic Square, 101 Wakefield St, Wellington Read more
On 8 November, Americans will elect their 45th President. But this time will not be like any other Presidential election. Read more
Come along and listen to some of New Zealand’s top university debaters battle over the moot: This house would ban religious symbols in public. We have panellists Race Relations Commissioner Dame Susan Devoy and former TV journalist Lindsay Perigo. Read more
Come along and listen to some of New Zealand’s top university debaters battle it out with the moot: This house would reduce household inequality by banning those with university degrees from marrying each other. We will have panellists Head of Research of The New Zealand Initiative Dr Eric Crampton and Senior Economist at Infometrics Matt Nolan. Read more
On Thursday 14 July, the Initiative hosted Stephen Jennings for a dinner lecture. Jennings, the Taranaki-born economist and investor, has spent the past 24 years outside New Zealand. Read more