Nick is a Senior Fellow, focusing on local government, resource management, and economic policy.
Nick brings 30 years experience in policy and advocacy inside and outside of government. He comes to us from 19 years at Federated Farmers, where he was its National Policy Manager. As well as managing a team of policy advisors, Nick led Federated Farmers' work on economic policy, including on fiscal policy, tax policy, monetary policy, banking policy, competition policy, and overseas investment policy.
He also worked extensively on local government policy issues and has been the administrator of the Local Government Business Forum, a grouping of national business organisations with an interest in local government policy issues.
Wellington (Thursday, 12 June 2025) - Picture this: a part-time councillor rushes home from their day job, grabs dinner, then sits down to wade through 600 pages of technical reports two days before a crucial council meeting. Sound familiar? Read more
Picture this scenario: It is a Friday afternoon. A councillor receives a 600-page agenda for Tuesday’s meeting. Read more
Picture this: a part-time councillor rushes home from their day job, grabs dinner, then sits down to wade through 600 pages of technical reports two days before a crucial council meeting. Sound familiar? Read more
In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick Clark about how artificial intelligence could help local government councillors make better decisions. They discuss how AI tools can help councillors understand complex reports, identify key issues, and formulate intelligent questions, ultimately empowering elected representatives who are often overwhelmed by technical information outside their expertise. Read more
In this episode, Oliver talks to Nick about his submission regarding New Zealand's proposed parliamentary term extension from three to four years. Nick supports the concept of longer terms but criticises the current proposal's complicated conditional approach, arguing instead for a straightforward extension that should also apply to local government. Read more
There is plenty to like about Auckland, but its traffic is not one of them. As a South Islander, who makes occasional visits to the City of Sails, I dread its infamous traffic. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Land Transport Management (Time-of-Use Charging) Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Easter is here, a rare four-day weekend when many of us will travel for getaways, see family and friends, or host those who have travelled to us. Yet Easter can be a trap for the unwary. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Term of Parliament (Enabling 4-year Term) Legislation Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Imagine asking a CEO to transform a struggling company but giving them just enough time to redecorate the office before facing shareholders again. This is essentially what we do with our three-year parliamentary terms. The Government's introduction of a Bill enabling a four-year term is a once in a generation opportunity for change. Read more
Much of my work for The New Zealand Initiative is on local government. I am interested in how local government can contribute to a growing economy. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Gene Technology Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
In 2002, the ‘Corngate’ controversy broke in the media. Journalist John Campbell blindsided then-PM Helen Clark with allegations that genetically modified (GM) corn had been accidentally released in New Zealand. Read more
It is hard to believe today, but a TV interview about genetic modification (GM) once upended an election campaign. That interview cast a long shadow over the use of GM in New Zealand. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Resource Management (Consents and Other Systems Changes) Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more