Reports & Media

Dr Bryce Wilkinson talked to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB about his New Zealand Initiative report which found government-owned assets worth $571 billion aren't generating sufficient returns to cover borrowing costs. Dr Wilkinson suggested selling commercial assets and underutilised land while acknowledging the political challenges, as the government now pays 3.7 cents in interest for every tax dollar collected. Read more

Wellington (Tuesday, 25 February 2025) - A new report by The New Zealand Initiative shows the government owns $571 billion in assets - equivalent to $275,000 for every Kiwi household. "The returns from these government-owned assets don't even cover the interest costs on the money borrowed to buy them," says Dr Bryce Wilkinson, author of The People's Portfolio: A $571 Billion Question. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich talked to Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB about Germany's recent election results, where the Christian Democrats won with 28% while the far-right AfD achieved 20%, and the economic challenges facing the country. He explained how energy costs, bureaucracy, and migration policies contributed to political shifts, while noting that Germany will likely form another "Grand Coalition" between traditionally opposed parties to govern the nation. Read more

In this episode, Michael and Oliver sound the alarm about the transformation of global power following a February 2025 phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, where the US reportedly conceded to Russia's demands over Ukraine without consulting European allies. They examine what they see as the collapse of the post-WWII liberal democratic order and its dire implications for Europe, the Pacific region, and New Zealand's future in an increasingly unstable world. Read more

Ryan Bridge on Newstalk ZB highlights the New Zealand Initiative's report on government bureaucracy, which reveals that Aotearoa has 44 per cent more ministers, nearly triple the portfolios, and one and a half times more departments compared to similar nations. Bridge uses Ireland as a key comparison, emphasising how they manage with just 15 ministers and 18 departments, while questioning why New Zealand needs 78 portfolios and 40 agencies to function effectively. Read more