The Australian
As NZ political centre narrows, should Luxon consider grand coalition?
The idea of a grand coalition in New Zealand faces challenges; past German experiences show limited reform success and political risks. […]
Why NZ’s government struggles to pass reforms
The Australian
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. […]
Trump’s Iran war is paying for Putin’s
Newsroom
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. […]
Insights
Is the public service really fine?
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.
Quadrant
Nasty, Brutish and Short-Sighted
The post-1945 global order faces decline as major powers disregard rules, risking international chaos reminiscent of Hobbes’ “state of nature” without strong authority.
Insights
The art of the contradiction
President Trump exhibited contradictory statements regarding the Iran conflict, alternating between demands for surrender and regime change while allies hesitated. Meanwhile, New Zealand grapples with rising fuel prices amid ongoing instability.
Newsroom
Trump pushes Pope onto world stage in a devilish intervention
Dealing with hostile political leaders is nothing new for the Catholic church. It has two thousand years of practice, from Herod and Pilate through Napoleon to Stalin and Hitler. An institution that outlasted all of them will probably manage Donald Trump as well.
The Australian
Auckland’s new city deal shifts nothing
New Zealand signed its first city deal with Auckland, promising funding for local projects. However, it lacks real local autonomy and continues centralised control from Wellington, limiting true local governance.
The New Zealand Herald
Splitting power generators from their retail arms would not cut electricity bills
With rising energy prices, New Zealand First proposes splitting electricity companies, but the argument lacks economic merit. Vertical integration helps stabilise prices, making competition effective despite consumer inertia in switching suppliers.