On 12 May, President Donald Trump's government spending and revenue bill was published. With characteristic panache, the President calls it his “Big Beautiful Bill”. Read more
The government has viewed stronger retail grocery competition as a national priority. But zoning, consenting, and overseas investment approval processes make new entry far too difficult. Read more
In this episode, Eric talks to Benno Blaschke about his groundbreaking report proposing a fast-track supermarket entry and expansion omnibus bill that could revolutionise New Zealand's grocery market. They discuss the regulatory barriers preventing new supermarket chains from entering the market and explore a legislative framework that would streamline planning and consenting processes to enable new grocery retailers to establish multiple stores across the country. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB about The New Zealand Initiative's blueprint for addressing supermarket competition in New Zealand. The Initiative proposes a five-year fast-track planning framework to enable new international grocery retailers to enter the market, addressing regulatory barriers that currently make it challenging for new supermarket operators to establish themselves. Read more
Was it really an “excellent” phone call with Russia’s dictator, Vladimir Putin? Did it signify, as President Donald Trump declared last week, an imminent breakthrough for peace in Ukraine? Read more
Dr Bryce Wilkinson talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about the Regulatory Standards Bill, explaining why the legislation is necessary despite seeming redundant. Dr Wilkinson argued that the bill elevates essential regulatory principles to a higher statutory status, ensuring government accountability and protecting individual rights by providing a check against potentially oppressive legislation. Read more
Nothing to see here, folks. Just a $400 million Boeing 747 from a foreign monarchy — accepted by the US Department of Defense for presidential use, then slated for retirement on the tarmac in full flight readiness at the future former president’s pleasure. Read more
As this edition of Quadrant reaches readers, I shall be making final preparations for The New Zealand Initiative’s fourth international business delegation. In late June, we will take more than three dozen senior New Zealand business leaders to the Netherlands. Read more
Last week, the University of Otago came out with its new statement on institutional neutrality – a statement that was not only new, but that also forged a bold new approach to the whole concept of neutrality. Institutional neutrality, the statement declares, ‘means that University leaders will not communicate institutional positions on controversial political topics except where such issues directly impact the University’s role or functions.’ So far, so neutral – and nothing much that’s new. Read more
This week’s budget projected no return to balanced books. It is difficult to see how recent budgets from National and Labour comply with the Public Finance Act’s fiscal responsibility provisions. Read more
On Tuesday morning, I attended a breakfast in New Zealand’s Parliament. The latest report from NZIER, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, to Xero, the online accounting software company, “Going Digital in 2025,” was unveiled. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to Sean Plunket on The Platform about Budget 2025, providing a critical analysis of the government's fiscal approach. He highlighted concerns about the structural deficit, KiwiSaver contributions, and potential fiscal risks, noting that the budget's overall spending remains similar to the previous Labour government's approach. Read more
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
This week, the hotly-contested Regulatory Standards Bill was introduced to Parliament. Vocal critics claim that the Bill improperly elevates selected legal and constitutional principles. Read more
Like most of the developed world, we in New Zealand live – we like to think – in a representative democracy. Rather than directly voting on issues, we vote for politicians who represent us in Parliament and in local councils. Read more