Reports & Media

Dr Eric Crampton talked to John Campbell on 1News Q+A Budget Special 2025 describing the Budget as "underwhelming" in terms of economic growth and fiscal consolidation. While noting some positive aspects like targeted spending and accelerated depreciation, Dr Crampton highlighted that government spending remains high and surplus projections are weak, even by the end of the forecast window. Read more

Dr Eric Crampton was featured in RNZ's news segment about the upcoming budget and the government's structural deficit. Dr Crampton emphasised the need to reduce government spending back to pre-COVID levels, warning that current budget trends could pose challenges for managing future economic pressures like an ageing population. Read more

In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick Clark about how artificial intelligence could help local government councillors make better decisions. They discuss how AI tools can help councillors understand complex reports, identify key issues, and formulate intelligent questions, ultimately empowering elected representatives who are often overwhelmed by technical information outside their expertise. Read more

In this presentation at Scots College, Professor Barbara Oakley from Oakland University shares the neuroscience behind effective learning. Drawing from her personal journey from struggling with math to becoming a Distinguished Professor of Engineering, she explains proven techniques including retrieval practice, the Pomodoro Technique, spaced repetition, and how the brain's focused and diffuse thinking modes work together. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the Green Party's alternative budget, critiquing its $88 billion tax increase plan and unrealistic spending proposals. Dr Hartwich specifically highlighted the impracticality of the Greens' free dentistry policy given New Zealand's limited number of dentists and described the alternative budget as a "fantasy" rather than a realistic economic proposal. Read more

In this episode, Michael and James discuss institutional neutrality in universities, examining how the Education and Training Act Amendment Bill addresses universities' ability to take official positions on political matters. They analyse Otago University's draft statement on institutional neutrality, exploring the distinction between universities "taking positions" versus "making statements" on controversial issues, and consider how the legislation could be improved to better protect academic freedom. Read more

Dr Michael Johnston was mentioned by Newstalk ZB in their news segment about the declining number of trainees and apprentices in New Zealand, following his recent report on trades training and improving vocational pathways. Dr Johnston suggested that introducing a graduated training wage as apprentices progress through their training could provide incentives for apprentices, in response to data showing a 12% drop in learners and a 19% decrease in continuing apprentices from previous years. Read more

Newstalk ZB reported that The New Zealand Initiative, along with unions and other think tanks, has been returned to the budget reveal lock-up guest list after Treasury decided to accept a broader range of stakeholders. NZCTU president Richard Wagstaff commented on the importance of this access, stating 'we can't give up on democracy' and noting that attending lock-ups and meeting with ministers is what 'we've done for decades.' Listen below. Read more