We need some easy wins - liberalising GMOs could be one
New Zealand could use some easy wins. A miasma of slow stagnation appears to be settling over the country. Read more
3 June, 2024
Budget 2024: Entrenching Labour’s big-spending approach to government
It would be ludicrous to describe Grant Robertson’s 2019 Wellbeing Budget as austere. Core government spending rose from around $27.50 of every $100 in economic activity to about $29 – a substantial increase. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
31 May, 2024
Podcast: Challenges and solutions in NZ education
In this episode, Michael talks to Craig Dobson, a veteran science teacher, about the changes and challenges in the New Zealand education system over the past three decades. They discuss the impact of education reforms, the evolving role of teachers, issues with student achievement and teacher retention, and potential solutions to improve the system. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston
31 May, 2024
The Platform: Dr Eric Crampton breaks down the 2024 Budget
Dr Eric Crampton talks to Sean Plunket on The Platform to break down the 2024 Budget. Watch below. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
31 May, 2024
Unlocking growth through local deals
New Zealand is heavily centralised. This stifles local initiative and contributes to sluggish productivity and anaemic economic growth. Read more
Nick Clark
31 May, 2024
Elizabeth University's free speech panel
After criticism of his decision to postpone its free speech event after a student protested the involvement of ‘big meanies,’ Elizabeth University of HAMILTON Vice-Chancellor Jac Jones proved the nay-sayers wrong, showcasing diversity with an event at which 80% of the speakers took exactly the same view. ‘My critics didn’t think I had the cojones – sorry, the courage (I really do apologise),’ Jones said. Read more
Dr James Kierstead
31 May, 2024
The Platform: Dr Bryce Wilkinson gives his reaction to Budget 2024
Dr Bryce Wilkinson talks to Leah Panapa on The Platform about BUdget 2023. Watch below. Read more
Dr Bryce Wilkinson ONZM
31 May, 2024
The endless inflation budget charade
And so, the state advances. Thirteen steps forward, four steps back, then onward again. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
31 May, 2024
1News: Dr Eric Crampton dicusses what he would like to see in the upcoming Budget
Dr Eric Crampton was interviewed on 1News on Budget Day about what he would like to see happen in the Budget. “What I would like to see today is a very clear path to get spending down to pre-Covid levels. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton
30 May, 2024
Time for a tune-up as New Zealand’s economic engine sputters
When I was a university student, I noticed my car was not accelerating as smoothly as it once had. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it might just be my imagination. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich
29 May, 2024
City and regional deals
This report, "City and regional deals", draws on the Initiative's extensive work on localism and international best practices to explore how partnerships between central and local government can empower communities to tackle their unique challenges and seize opportunities for growth. "For too long, our councils have borne the costs of growth while the benefits flow almost entirely to central government in Wellington," says Dr Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative. Read more
Nick Clark
28 May, 2024
Media Release: Unlocking New Zealand's Potential: The Power of Localism Through City and Regional Deals
Wellington (Tuesday, 28 May 2024) - New research from The New Zealand Initiative suggests city and regional deals could be a key to unlocking New Zealand's economic potential and boosting living standards across the country. The research note, "City and regional deals", draws on the Initiative's previous work on localism and international best practices to explore how partnerships between central and local government can empower communities to tackle their unique challenges and seize opportunities for growth. Read more
Nick Clark
28 May, 2024
A far-right falling out in Europe
As the European Parliament elections loom next month, a political earthquake is reshaping the landscape of the continent’s far-right. In a stunning move, Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National (RN) party has abruptly severed ties with its long-time German ally, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD). Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich
28 May, 2024
The Platform: Dr Oliver Hartwich talks about the upcoming Budget Day
Dr Oliver Hartwich talks to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the importance and implications of the upcoming New Zealand government budget. He emphasises focusing on key figures like the return to budget surplus and controlling government spending, which have long-term consequences for the country, rather than getting bogged down in granular details. Read more
Dr Oliver Hartwich
27 May, 2024
New Caledonia's troubles
White sand beaches. Palm trees waving in a gentle breeze. Read more
Dr James Kierstead
24 May, 2024