The Australian
NZ shows how not to run a census
New Zealand planned to replace traditional censuses with record-based data but faced legislative obstacles, leading to a mandatory census in 2028.
New Zealand
Insights
An auction of stolen goods
The New Zealand election campaign reveals parties proposing wealth redistribution policies, risking property rights and wealth creation. Instead, the focus should shift towards strategies that foster economic growth.
Insights
Birds of a feather
Voting for Forest & Bird’s ‘Bird of the Year’ opens today, featuring a unique election-themed twist and various bird parties with playful, clever campaigns reflecting New Zealand’s political landscape.
The Australian
NZ can reach orbit but can’t reach a decision
New Zealand’s military capability is limited, yet it excels in the space industry through Rocket Lab. The government’s inconsistent support hampers success, leaving future defence policies uncertain.
The New Zealand Herald
Town planners will finally have to answer for land prices
New Zealand’s recent planning law represents a significant shift, introducing an independent watchdog to monitor land prices and ensuring housing affordability, supported by a rare cross-party consensus for lasting impact.
Quadrant
The New Mandarinate
New Zealand’s immigration biometric project, initiated in 2018, wasted millions due to poor oversight and misleading advice from officials, raising concerns about bureaucratic accountability and governance challenges.
Insights
Balancing the books is only half the job
Both major parties in New Zealand promise budget surpluses and fiscal consolidation but need to address institutional reform for economic growth and competitiveness.
The New Zealand Herald
Why Labour’s capital gains tax policy is flawed
At a panel discussion on capital gains taxes in Wellington, speakers largely criticised Labour’s proposal, highlighting its flaws such as lack of inflation adjustment and excessive exemptions, while agreeing on the need for better tax design.
Uncategorised
If I were PM: Fix the machine before the policies
On my first day as prime minister, I would honestly address New Zealand’s decline, prioritise government reform over new initiatives, and focus on accountability and effective leadership in departments.
Uncategorised
There was only one thing about Bürgen that was German and it was not the bread
New Zealand’s Bürgen bread, wrongly branded as German, originated in Auckland in 1987. Its departure to Australia highlights tensions in country branding and consumer perception.