Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Insights

A prescription that fits

New Zealand’s latest Budget reveals persistent deficits and a challenging financial environment. The government must address numerous small structural issues to achieve economic growth, as outlined in the “Prescription for Prosperity 2026” report. […]
Quadrant

Audiences without a Public

Elisabeth Noelle-Neumann’s “spiral of silence” describes how public opinion diverges from private beliefs, a phenomenon intensified by today’s fragmented media landscape, where audiences consume biased content, reinforcing division. […]
The Australian

NZ’s anti-slavery bill helps no victims but no one dare oppose it

New Zealand’s Modern Slavery Bill, while aimed at addressing exploitation in supply chains, may create compliance burdens without effectively reducing modern slavery, echoing critiques of similar legislation in Australia and the UK. […]

majestic magdeburg cathedral at golden hour

New purge to give totalitarian control of police, schools, prison, bureaucracy of German state

Newsroom

19/05/2026

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) aims to fundamentally reshape German governance by purging civil servants deemed misaligned, threatening democratic norms while mainstream parties also undermine established rules amid rising discontent. […]

Like Chalmers, NZ tried property tax reforms too. They failed

The Australian

18/05/2026

Jim Chalmers’ announcement to end negative gearing mirrors New Zealand’s past reforms that backfired, leading to fewer rental properties and rising rents, demonstrating that housing affordability relies on supply, not tax changes. […]

As NZ political centre narrows, should Luxon consider grand coalition?

15/05/2026

The idea of a grand coalition in New Zealand faces challenges; past German experiences show limited reform success and political risks.

[…]

They came in peace. We came with clipboards.

08/05/2026

The Martian Audit portrays two Martians touring New Zealand, baffled by absurd legalities, ultimately deciding invading Australia would be simpler.

[…]

The Martian Audit

07/05/2026

The Martian Audit is a satirical novella featuring Martian auditors who, upon encountering New Zealand’s bureaucratic absurdities, decide the country is not worth conquering, humorously critiquing public policy and governance.

[…]

Why NZ’s government struggles to pass reforms

05/05/2026

In 2026, New Zealand’s coalition government faced obstacles implementing promised reforms, as bureaucratic resistance led to diluted policies on medicine regulation, planning law, and the Reserve Bank’s powers, highlighting challenges in governmental effectiveness.

[…]

Oil refinery silhouette border, industrial

Trump’s Iran war is paying for Putin’s

05/05/2026

Russia’s economy struggles amidst sanctions and war, but high oil prices, aided by Trump’s actions in Iran, provide a temporary reprieve, stabilising Putin’s regime despite underlying issues.

[…]

man writing on notes posted on glass wall

Is the public service really fine?

01/05/2026

The New Zealand public service faces structural issues necessitating reform, as highlighted by a recent report arguing for ministerial appointment of chief executives despite opposing critiques.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

A prescription that fits

Audiences without a Public

NZ’s anti-slavery bill helps no victims but no one dare oppose it

New purge to give totalitarian control of police, schools, prison, bureaucracy of German state

Like Chalmers, NZ tried property tax reforms too. They failed

As NZ political centre narrows, should Luxon consider grand coalition?

They came in peace. We came with clipboards.

The Martian Audit

Why NZ’s government struggles to pass reforms

Trump’s Iran war is paying for Putin’s

Is the public service really fine?

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