Nick Clark talks about his latest report urging for local government reform. Listen below. Read more
A crucial discussion about transforming our local government system. The New Zealand Initiative’s new research reveals why councils struggle to deliver for their communities - and more importantly, how this can be fixed. Read more
Wellington (Tuesday, 10 December 2024) - New Zealand’s local government problems stem from a fundamental flaw that can be fixed, research released today reveals. “We have identified the root cause of council dysfunction: mayors and councillors lack the power to deliver what they promise voters. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston talks to Sean Plunket on The Platform about Massey University allegedly circulating a banner for staff emails featuring the "2020" logo, which is associated with opposition to David Seymour's Treaty Principles bill. Dr Johnston argues this violates the principle of institutional neutrality and reveals how a university staff member anonymously reported this to the Free Speech Union, though they are still awaiting official confirmation from the university's vice-chancellor. Read more
At this year's Deloitte Top 200 awards, Dr Oliver Hartwich received the special Judges' Award for his outstanding contributions to public policy and thought leadership in New Zealand. Watch him receive the award in the video below. Read more
Wellington (Friday, 29 November 2024) - The New Zealand Initiative welcomes today's announcement that New Zealand will follow Australia in excluding high-income earners from personal grievance claims for unjustified dismissal. The change implements recommendations from the Initiative's 2021 research note "Nothing Costs Nothing: Why unjustified dismissal procedures should not apply to the highly paid" (available here). Read more
Dr Murray Horn talked to Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB criticising a newly released New Zealand government COVID report for being too generous in its assessment and missing key issues like excessive economic stimulus and poor utilisation of the private sector. In his discussion, Dr Horn particularly emphasised how the government's politicisation of the pandemic response and monopolisation of its execution prevented proper adaptation and learning from mistakes. Read more
On his show on Newstalk ZB, Mike Hosking discussed a case highlighted by Dr Eric Crampton about how a McDonald's opening in Wānaka requires extensive bureaucratic processes including an 8-page submission, cultural impact assessments, and planetary health considerations. Hosking agreed with Eric's view that this exemplifies everything wrong with the RMA, expressing frustration that what should be a straightforward business venture has turned into an expensive, bureaucratic "circus" involving multiple government agencies and cultural consultations. Read more
On NBR, Dr Eric Crampton and Dr Ganesh Nana presented opposing views on New Zealand's economic direction and government spending. While Nana argued for increased public investment in infrastructure and services to build long-term economic resilience, Crampton advocated for fiscal restraint and maintaining lower debt levels to preserve borrowing capacity for future crises. Read more
John Gerritsen on RNZ questions whether to keep NCEA Level 1, following an Education Review Office report that calls it unreliable and unclear in purpose. Dr Michael Johnston talks to RNZ saying the entire NCEA system needs review, particularly to create better pathways for students pursuing trades and apprenticeships rather than university. Read more
On The Platform, Dr Eric Crampton and Sean Plunkett discuss a controversial case where the National Public Health Service submitted objections to block McDonald's from opening in Wānaka, which Crampton characterises as an inappropriate and potentially vindictive use of the land-use planning process. The Health Minister has questioned the relevance of these submissions and raised the issue with Health New Zealand's Chief Executive, while both Crampton and Plunkett view this as emblematic of broader problems with bureaucratic overreach in New Zealand. Read more
Dr Eric Crampton talked to Paul Brennan on Reality Check Radio about Australia's teen social media ban concept. The NZ Government are considering the same measure, Eric dives in and examines the real costs. Read more
Dr Michael Johnston spoke to Simon O'Connor on Reality Check Radio about the significant challenges facing New Zealand's education system, including curriculum issues, teacher training problems, and declining university standards. He outlined potential solutions including a more structured knowledge-rich curriculum for schools, improved teacher training methods, and addressing free speech concerns in universities, while emphasising the need for both regulatory and cultural changes to improve educational outcomes. Read more
Emile Donovan spoke to Dr Eric Crampton on his show RNZ Nights about prediction markets and whether they are more accurate than polling. Listen below. Read more
Sean Plunket talks to Dr Eric Crampton on The Platform about whether social media bans for kids actuallly work. Watch below. Read more