Media release: Think tank sets out 235-point policy agenda for a more prosperous New Zealand
Wellington (Wednesday, 27 May 2026) – New Zealand can be a much more prosperous country, and the policy choices needed to get us there are well within reach, says The New Zealand Initiative’s Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich.
The Initiative today released Prescription for Prosperity 2026, its fourth briefing to an incoming government. The document draws together more than a decade of the Initiative’s research across 26 policy areas and sets out 235 specific recommendations to make New Zealand more prosperous. It is addressed to whichever government New Zealanders elect in November.
“This document reflects the work of our research team over many years,” Dr Hartwich said. “We have taken a comprehensive look at New Zealand’s policy settings and identified the changes that would make New Zealand a more prosperous country for all its people.”
Recent reforms have laid important groundwork. They liberalised overseas investment, reformed school education, re-established the social investment framework, repealed fair pay agreements, passed the Regulatory Standards Act and began replacing the Resource Management Act. The next government, whatever its political stripe, can build on these foundations.
Three policy areas would make the biggest difference. Planning rules that let supply respond to demand would put home ownership back within reach of more New Zealanders. Aligning the costs councils bear with the revenue they receive would unlock the infrastructure the country needs to grow. And a regulatory environment that rewards investment would lift the productivity on which higher wages depend. These reforms are open to any government willing to pursue them.
“These policy settings are within our control,” Dr Hartwich said. “Any government willing to do the work can deliver real gains for New Zealanders.”
The fiscal position matters as well. Returning to surplus, stabilising debt and running a public service that ministers can direct would give the government greater headroom to act on its priorities.
The global backdrop has also become more demanding. The conflict in the Middle East and the closing of the Strait of Hormuz have pushed fuel prices higher than any domestic policy can offset, and New Zealand’s defence posture now calls for serious investment alongside every other spending priority. Setting those priorities clearly will be one of the hardest tasks facing the next government.
“No single recommendation will transform New Zealand. But the cumulative effect of implementing even half of what we propose would be substantial,” Dr Hartwich said.
“There is no reason New Zealand should not be among the most prosperous countries in the world,” Dr Hartwich said. “Getting the incentives, institutions and legislation right is how we get there, and that is work any government can take up.”
ENDS
Dr Oliver Hartwich is available for comment. To schedule an interview, please contact:
Jamuel Enriquez, Marketing and Communications Manager
E: jamuel.enriquez@nzinitiative.org.nz
P: 021 022 34451
Prescription for Prosperity 2026 is attached below and is embargoed until 5 am, 27 May 2026.
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About The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative is an evidence-based think tank and research institute contributing to public policy discussion.
Supported by the nation’s leading visionaries, business leaders and political thinkers, we are committed to making New Zealand a better country for all its citizens with a world-class education system, affordable housing, a healthy environment, sound public finances and a stable currency.
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