New Zealand has finally achieved a free trade agreement with the EU. It was years in the making. Read more
It has been reported that the Minister is considering public-private partnerships to build schools. In fact, though, all school builds are effectively public-private partnerships. Read more
“All political lives, unless they are cut off in midstream at a happy juncture, end in failure, because that is the nature of politics and of human affairs.” At least according to Enoch Powell, and Powell certainly knew what he was writing about. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Dame Jacinda Ardern may be a rare exception. Read more
Listen to Initiative Research Fellow Max Salmon and Mike Hosking discuss Max's new paper Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze.
Max Salmon on NewstalkZB Read more
Listen to Dr Eric Crampton discuss the Government's tax needs and plans:
Eric Crampton Newstalk ZB Read more
2023 was a great year for the Initiative. Have a look through our annual report to see what we achieved and what others are saying about what we do. Read more
How complex is too complex? My new report for the New Zealand Initiative, Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze, poses this question with respect to the executive branch of New Zealand’s Government. Read more
We all have our strange little hobbies. I keep an eye out for mentions of a shonky old estimate on the social cost of alcohol. Read more
The new Government’s Budget Policy Statement, released yesterday, reflects the daunting fiscal challenges inherited from the previous Labour-led Government’s tax-deficit-and-spend policies. We empathise with the current Government’s predicament, having to navigate the consequences of excessive spending, high inflation, and a recession. Read more
Cast your mind back to the tense post-election negotiations of last year. Despite the prolonged talks, frequent clashes in the media and ominous noises from Winston, we all knew how it would end: a three-way coalition between National, Act, and New Zealand First. Read more
Initiative research fellow Max Salmon discusses his latest report Cabinet Congestion with the NBR. Read Max's report Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze here. Read more
It isn’t that there are never $20 notes lying on the footpath, it’s that when markets are working well, there are strong incentives to find and pick them up. A $20 note shouldn’t have to wait very long before being grabbed. Read more
The New Zealand Initiative's Executive Director Oliver Hartwich and Research Fellow Max Salmon discuss Max's research note Cabinet Congestion: The Growth of a Ministerial Maze with Former Minister Stuart Nash. Read Cabinet Congestion here. Read more
“Read my lips: No new taxes.” These were the famous words uttered by George H. W. Read more
Initiative Senior Fellow Nick Clark discusses his new policy point with NBR. Read Nick's policy point Fast-Track Approvals Bill here. Read more
