Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Insights

Better on the books

The ACC’s efforts to improve support for injury recovery showed progress but rely on questionable metrics. Enhanced rehabilitation could significantly reduce future costs and ensure genuine recovery. […]
Quadrant

Bildung and the Machine

AI’s rapid advancement raises concerns in education, reflecting a shift in focus from qualification to personal development. Emphasizing “Bildung” over “Ausbildung” is crucial for fostering critical thinking in students. […]
The New Zealand Herald

ACC measuring wrong figure when it comes to getting people back to work

The Accident Compensation Corporation aims to support recovery from injuries, but recent practices reflect a focus on numbers rather than actual recovery. Many individuals still struggle after payments cease, raising serious concerns about the system’s integrity. […]

a therapist massaging the leg of a client

Half a Turnaround: Why ACC’s recovery must be built on rehabilitation, not exits

Research reports

24/06/2026

The New Zealand Initiative report highlights that ACC’s recovery requires better rehabilitation practices, despite recent improvements in managing long-term claims and liabilities. […]

In charge or just a ministerial performance?

The Australian

23/06/2026

New Zealand’s government faces accountability issues, as a failed IT project exposes bureaucratic disconnection and mismanagement. […]

The twenty-dollar week

19/06/2026

Labour’s proposed public transport fare caps raise questions due to unclear details. The $65 million cost versus potential savings challenges the effectiveness and fairness of the policy.

[…]

sustainable pipelines in autumn forest landscape

Foreword to ‘Finance Freedom’

17/06/2026

Benno Blaschke’s reports underlines the success of financing models for infrastructure in New Zealand and outlines necessary improvements for future endeavors.

[…]

facade of the humboldt forum an art museum in berlin germany

German leaders erase the big black zero they once worshipped

16/06/2026

The European Central Bank’s recent interest rate hike signals rising inflation and faltering growth in Germany, exposing severe structural budget issues and unsustainable spending promises.

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Anger over socio-economic issues has propelled populist parties to prominence in countries like Australia, Britain, and Germany, while New Zealand’s political landscape remains more stable due to moderate forces.

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NZ’s nuclear superstition makes no sense

09/06/2026

New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy, while politically significant, limits discussions on nuclear technology’s diverse uses. Restrictions create contradictions, as the nation relies on foreign nuclear medicine despite its stance against domestic reactors.

[…]

blonde woman standing near the checkout counter

Why New Zealand’s ‘flexible’ labour market fails on youth wages

09/06/2026

The New Zealand Initiative’s youth wage proposal emphasizes training value over fairness, suggesting a link between lower wages and skill development.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

Better on the books

Bildung and the Machine

ACC measuring wrong figure when it comes to getting people back to work

Half a Turnaround: Why ACC’s recovery must be built on rehabilitation, not exits

In charge or just a ministerial performance?

The twenty-dollar week

Foreword to ‘Finance Freedom’

German leaders erase the big black zero they once worshipped

On borrowed calm

NZ’s nuclear superstition makes no sense

Why New Zealand’s ‘flexible’ labour market fails on youth wages

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