Search

Wellington (10 November 2017): “The TPP APEC talks in Vietnam today are reportedly 'down to the wire.' Yet while the TPP commentary focuses on trade, we should also learn about foreign direct investment from APEC host Vietnam,” says The New Zealand Initiative’s Senior Fellow Dr Bryce Wilkinson. “In 1997, Vietnam had the most restrictive FDI regime of all 45 countries measured by the OECD. Read more

Wellington (7 November 2017): As Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Trade Minister David Parker head for the APEC meeting and the East Asia Summit, The New Zealand Initiative welcomes the Government’s commitment to free trade agreements. But the think tank warns that New Zealand will likely fall further behind as a destination for foreign investment (FDI) if the Government pursues its policy intentions. Read more

Wellington (6 November 2017): Since becoming the Housing and Transport Minister, Mr Twyford has underlined his intention to simplify planning rules, abolish the rural urban boundary, let Auckland grow up and out, and move towards road pricing. Commenting on Phil Twyford’s statements, the Initiative’s Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich said: “The appointment of Phil Twyford as Housing and Transport Minister in the Labour-led government is a breath of fresh air. Read more

Wellington (30 October 2017): As the new Labour/NZ First Government pushes for stronger regional development, New Zealand should learn from the country that does regional development best. And that country is Switzerland, argues a new report by think tank The New Zealand Initiative. Read more

The new Labour/NZ First government should be looking to Switzerland for inspiration when it comes to implementing some of its key policies, for example its unique local governance system. Oliver Hartwich explains why. Read more

The new government has suggested a $20 minimum wage in 2021, is the same as a $17.50 minimum wage today. Eric Crampton tells Mike Hosking there are already good numbers from MBIE around the effects of minimum wage increases. Read more

Wellington (19 October 2017): Yesterday, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment released a NZIER report that discredits a WorkSafe NZ safety campaign that started in November 2011. In our report, A Matter of Balance: Regulating Safety, in July 2015, we criticised the government and officials for launching a costly campaign to reduce workplace falls from heights of less than three metres. Read more