Local democracy in New Zealand is facing a troubling imbalance: mostly part-time councillors must process complex information prepared by full-time professional staff, often receiving hundreds of pages just days before critical votes. Could AI help rebalance this information asymmetry and strengthen democratic oversight? Read more
This will be a Members' Lunch with Hon Scott Simpson, who has recently taken on the portfolios of ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs. At this lunch, Minister Simpson will share his vision for strengthening New Zealand's business environment and enhancing consumer protections. Read more
This will be a conversation on the US Tariffs that are reshaping international trade as we know it with Vangelis Vitalis, Deputy Secretary Trade and Economic at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Recent US tariff impositions have transformed global commerce, creating immediate challenges for all businesses and especially those with global markets. Read more
Our annual members' retreat is a chance to cover the major aspects of New Zealand politics and economics, and will provide plenty of room for discussion, engagement and networking. Please contact us at events@nzinitiative.org.nz for further information. Read more
Join us for a discussion of policy initiatives to strengthen vocational education pathways in New Zealand. Drawing inspiration from Germany's successful dual-training model, Josh Williams and Dr Michael Johnston will discuss initiatives in secondary and tertiary education to enhance the status and quality of trades and industry training. Read more
It's a question that keeps parents awake at night and weighs heavily on young New Zealanders. While university is the right path for many, it's not the only path to a rewarding career. Read more
This will be a members' lunch with Craig Stobo, Chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA), who will provide valuable insights into New Zealand's evolving financial landscape. This lunch is an opportunity to engage directly with a key decision-maker and gain valuable insights into the future direction of New Zealand's financial markets. Read more
Get ready for a fascinating journey into the art of learning with Professor Barbara Oakley, the brilliant mind behind the popular online course "Learning How to Learn" and New York Times bestselling author, as she joins us as our new Senior Fellow. Over the next 5 months, Barbara will embark on an exciting mission across New Zealand, collaborating directly with Primary and Secondary schools to transform how teachers approach education, particularly in mathematics. Read more
This will be a members' lunch with Hon David Seymour as he shares his insights as a coalition party leader and the future Deputy Prime Minister. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the Minister and gain valuable insights into the coalition's future plans. Read more
Join us for a crucial discussion about transforming our local government system. The New Zealand Initiative’s new research reveals why councils struggle to deliver for their communities - and more importantly, how this can be fixed. Read more
This will be a members' lunch with the Media and Communications Minister, Hon Paul Goldsmith, as we discuss the future of the media and Roger Partridge's new report, "Reining in the Supreme Court." Minister Goldsmith will share insights on his role in his diverse portfolios. This is an excellent opportunity to engage with the Minister and gain a deeper understanding of New Zealand's Media Bill and the Supreme Court. Read more
Who really makes the laws in New Zealand? Is it our democratically elected politicians or unaccountable judges? Read more
This is lunch with Alexander Heffner. Alexander hosts the PBS program The Open Mind and created Breaking Bread with Alexander, which airs on Bloomberg TV. Read more
We would like to invite you to a discussion with prominent US broadcaster and historian Alexander Heffner, host of Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) "The Open Mind" and Bloomberg TV's "Breaking Bread with Alexander", and the co-author of the bestselling book "A Documentary History of the United States". Alexander will share his insights on the state of American democracy in the lead-up to the 2024 US Presidential elections. Read more
What really goes on inside the machinery of government? Are public servants selfless heroes or self-interested bureaucrats? Read more