That is the question that policymakers in New Zealand have been pondering for over 170 years. It is not a simple question to answer. Read more
With government about to table legislation that would allow greater amalgamation of local authorities in New Zealand, this report examines how other countries have embraced the diversity of local government to enhance their economic competitiveness. Local government plays a vital role in national productivity. Read more
Wellington (25 July 2016): The people of the larger Wellington area were right to vote against amalgamation and avoid the expensive tangle of red tape. We are seeing Auckland struggling to be efficient and address issues effectively and in a timely way. Read more
The New Zealand Initiative's latest report, The Local Benchmark: When smaller is better asks the question, "What is the right size for local government?". The report looks at the cities of Manchester and Montreal and their respective approaches to devolved decision-making, and also analyses the Swiss and Dutch local governance systems. Read more
Tax policy is usually about picking your poison. Set company taxes too high relative to international norms and firms will want to set up abroad. Read more
Last year, the residents of the Hawkes Bay region dodged a bullet. They were not the only ones. Read more
If you are German, it is a little tricky to talk about one of Germany’s greatest philosophers. At least if you’re talking about him in English. Read more
Some New Zealanders might have trouble grasping international affairs without the domestic spin, so here it is. Donald Trump is Winston Peters with money. Read more
Our Executive Director, Dr Oliver Hartwich, talks to Newstalk ZB about where the New Zealand economy is headed, and whether high house prices are preventing us from developing the real economy. Read more
Wellington (21 July 2016): On Thursday 14 July, The New Zealand Initiative hosted Stephen Jennings for a dinner lecture. Jennings, the Taranaki-born economist and investor, has spent the past 24 years outside of New Zealand. Read more
It is not easy to say where to pin the blame. Is it media consumers who want more and more hot-takes on the terrors of inequality? Read more
Wellington (29 June 2016): New Zealand has a mostly well-functioning school system, but there is evidence of stubborn underperformance, a report by The New Zealand Initiative finds. “New Zealand’s economy depends on a literate and numerate workforce. Read more
Before making an important decision it is a good idea to take a deep breath and count to ten. Policy decisions should be the same. Read more
I have a solution to inequality. It will take a long time, and I don’t think you’re going to like it. Read more
Distance makes the heart grow fonder, so they say. But sometimes distance can also make you see things more clearly – not just if you are farsighted. Read more