Media release: Local problems need local solutions

Wellington (19 October 2015): Central government needs to give regions their own regulatory toolbox if the country is to unleash the economic potential that remains underutilised with the current one-size-fits-all governance model. That is according to the latest report from The New Zealand Initiative, In the Zone: Creating a Toolbox for Regional Prosperity, which was released today. Read more

19 October, 2015
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In the Zone panel discussion

The New Zealand Initiative hosted a panel discussion with Chris Bishop MP, Rob Cameron (Cameron Partners), Clare Curran MP and Ron Mark MP in Wellington on 19 October 2015. Panellists discussed special economic zones; the focus of the Initiative's new report, In the Zone: Creating a toolbox for regional prosperity. Read more

19 October, 2015

Zoned in

Last week, I wrote about my colourful experiences promoting local government reform in Britain. Though originally unpopular, the idea to give more power to the people has now become government policy over there. Read more

Dr Oliver Hartwich
Insights Newsletter
16 October, 2015

I agree with Helen Kelly

Helen Kelly has not always agreed with The New Zealand Initiative on regulatory issues, but on the issue of medical marijuana, we certainly agree with her. The outgoing Council of Trade Unions president is wanting to use medical marijuana for her own terminal illness. Read more

Insights Newsletter
16 October, 2015

A pledge in good faith

Recently I attended a citizenship ceremony, and sat amidst a group of people that could best be described as the diaspora of humanity. The event, as is the norm, was presided over by Wellington City Deputy Mayor Justin Lester. Read more

Insights Newsletter
16 October, 2015

The 'what's yours is mine' rules stymie economic development

If you wanted to sum up the madness of mining regulation in New Zealand the tongue-in-cheek phrase “what’s yours is mine and mine’s my own” is a great fit, as judged by a situation playing out in Northland right now. Minewatch Northland, an anti-mining group, is urging local residents to resist any attempt by Evolution Mining to conduct exploration work near Whangarei over concerns it could introduce heavy metals and other chemicals into the waterways. Read more

Interest.co.nz
12 October, 2015

Councils should be debating TPPA

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) has made all kinds of waves in the media recently, but the least expected has to be the news that Auckland Council spent two and half hours debating the free trade agreement. The result of the meeting was that the council’s Regional Strategy and Policy Committee kicked for touch by requesting that the final text of the agreement be released before a firmer position was taken on the trade deal. Read more

Interest.co.nz
10 October, 2015

The key to a legacy

A year ago this week, the John Key-led government was sworn in for its third term. This followed a remarkable election night victory, revealing voters had turned their backs on both Kim Dotcom and David Cunliffe’s lurch to the left. Read more

Roger Partridge
The National Business Review
9 October, 2015

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