Reports & Media

We probably all lost count how many times we have now heard the phrase “that extraordinary election this year.” And indeed, by all accounts, it was unusual in many ways. Since Bill English announced the election date on 1 February, we have had nearly eight months of campaigning. Read more

Every now and then, you come across an idea that makes you wonder why you had never thought of it before. I experienced such a moment on Tuesday when I met American author, speaker and entrepreneur Lisa Witter. Read more

‘Twas the night before the election When all through the think tank Not a creature was stirring Because frankly, all we can do now is sit and wait. While the outcome of the election remains anyone’s guess, one thing is certain. Read more

A flock of buzzards. A den of snakes. Read more

Imagine a political party deeply committed to social justice. A party that places fairness and caring for the most disadvantaged above everything else. Read more

Well, now we know what is likely to happen with taxes under a Labour government. National’s promised inflation-indexing of the lower income bracket tax thresholds will be gone, we will likely have some kind of water tax, but big changes like capital gains taxes are off the table until after a report from a Tax Working Group and the 2020 election. Read more

For discerning voters who were getting worried about the splashing of taxpayers' cash this election, fear not. While National and Labour have been pulling out all the stops to get swing voters over the line, not all election policies are designed to buy votes. Read more

With some exceptions, there is a distinct lack of co-operation among the various interests in New Zealand’s inshore fisheries. The lack of co-operation worsens as competition increases for limited fisheries resources. Read more

Elections are not quite the advance auctions of stolen goods that H.L. Mencken warned about. Read more

Approval ratings of more than three quarters are almost unheard of in politics. Most politicians would be satisfied with far less. Read more

New Zealand, you’ve done it again. You’ve one-upped Australia, and not even on purpose this time. Read more