When law students first learn contract law, they learn that entering into a contract can happen in all sorts of ways. Only in the rarest of cases is a contract signed by both parties. Read more
The government is determined to shake up local government. It wants councils to get back to basics on core services and efficiency. Read more
Government sometimes cannot stop itself from providing bailouts when risk-taking goes wrong. This kind of ‘free’ insurance policy leads to no end of bad outcomes. Read more
In this episode, Oliver talks to special guest US broadcaster and historian Alexander Heffner, the host of The Open Mind on PBS. They talk about the current state of American politics and media, focusing on the 2024 presidential election and the decline of intellectual discourse in public debate. Read more
A lecture from US broadcaster and historian Alexander Heffner, the host of The Open Mind on PBS, held at the Parliament on 20 September 2024. Watch below. Read more
Picture a rustic jetty on the shores of serene Lake Tarawera. Hanging off the jetty is a small swim ladder. Read more
The gig economy is driving a revolution in work, but our laws sometimes seem stuck in reverse. This week, Parliament finally took the wheel. Read more
1.1 This submission on the Smokefree Environments and Regulated Products Amendment Bill (No 2) is made by The New Zealand Initiative, a think tank supported primarily by chief executives of major New Zealand businesses. The Initiative undertakes research to contribute to the development of sound public policies in New Zealand to help create a competitive, open and dynamic economy and a free, prosperous, fair, and cohesive society. Read more
It was an ambitious plan to make the European Union the world’s most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy within a decade. It aimed to boost innovation, productivity and economic growth across the bloc. Read more
Curriculum and teacher quality are two essential pillars of any school education system. In New Zealand, both pillars are shaky. Read more
Look at the cover of our new report Demystifying the State. What do you see? Read more
The role of pets in politics came into focus on both sides of the Atlantic this week. First with President Trump’s comments that Haitian migrants were eating cats in Ohio, and then with British PM Kier Starmer bringing in a rival to the Chief Mouser to cabinet. Read more
In this episode, Eric and Ben Hamlin, Barrister at Clifton Chambers, explore how government policies and regulations can unintentionally stifle competition in New Zealand, affecting everything from healthcare to supermarkets. They discuss the challenges posed by current laws, particularly the 'Crown exception' in competition law, and propose reforms aimed at creating a more competitive economy, including regular reviews of competition restrictions and greater justification for government-imposed market limitations. Read more
Opposition leader Chris Hipkins has said that the Labour Party is looking at campaigning in 2026 on the need for heavier taxation. Capital gains taxes, wealth taxes and a land tax are “back on the table”. Read more
On August 15, we hosted our second The Health Innovators’ Summit. This was a day event that brought together politicians, members of The New Zealand Initiative, professional health associations, and senior journalists to learn about innovative solutions for better healthcare in New Zealand. Read more
