Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

The New Zealand Herald

Who runs the country? No board would tolerate this

New Zealand’s government system, where chief executives are appointed by an independent commissioner without ministerial input, hinders effective governance and lacks accountability, unlike practices in other democracies. […]
Research reports

Who Runs the Country?

New Zealand’s ministers lack control over departments, so my report suggests reforms to improve accountability by allowing ministerial appointments of chief executives, learning from OECD counterparts like Germany and Australia. […]
Newsroom

I’m a liberal now but I still mourn the slow death of the Social Democrats in Germany

The SPD, Germany’s oldest political party, faces existential decline, struggling to retain traditional voters amid shifting political dynamics, compounded by historical missteps that jeopardise democratic integrity in Germany. […]

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

New Zealand is too busy governing badly to govern well

The Australian

31/03/2026

New Zealand’s government is shelving a referendum for extending the parliamentary term from three to four years, despite widespread support. A three-year term leads to urgency in legislation, hindering reform and effective governance, necessitating change. […]

businessman analyzing falling stock market trend

The End of the Golden Bargain

Quadrant

30/03/2026

Democratic politics, once fueled by hope for progress, now succumbs to nostalgia and resentment. Economic stagnation and a burdensome debt legacy challenge legitimacy, risking a collapse into authoritarianism as citizens grow disillusioned with their hollow promises. […]

Just the opening act

27/03/2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and global tensions signal a serious crisis affecting New Zealand’s economy, prompting urgent discussions about fuel prices, interest rates and national preparedness for ongoing geopolitical instability.

[…]

Liberal democracy suffers its great leap backward

24/03/2026

A recent report reveals global democracy is regressing, with 74% living under autocracy. Historical parallels are drawn to economic crises fueling authoritarianism, especially in the U.S.

[…]

close up shot of a piggy bank beside coins

A $110 billion illusion?

20/03/2026

KiwiSaver, with $110 billion in assets, is set to increase contribution rates. However, past evaluations indicate it has not proven to enhance overall wealth, merely shifting funds without increasing savings.

[…]

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf

Hormuz crisis may force reform – but only through catastrophe

17/03/2026

New Zealand faces an economic crisis due to rising oil prices and supply disruptions, prompting officials to prepare contingency plans. Previous crises were met with borrowing rather than structural reforms, perpetuating deep-rooted issues.

[…]

putting coins in a container using a silver small shovel

Faith-based asset management

13/03/2026

New Zealand’s first National Infrastructure Plan revealed poor asset management and accountability despite high spending, highlighting the need for a long-term, informed approach to infrastructure.

[…]

Why the Government must resist fuel tax cuts

12/03/2026

New Zealand, after years of stagnation, faced renewed hope, but the Middle East war sparked inflation and economic challenges. The government must address the real issues without misguided financial interventions.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

Who runs the country? No board would tolerate this

Who Runs the Country?

New Zealand is too busy governing badly to govern well

The End of the Golden Bargain

Just the opening act

Liberal democracy suffers its great leap backward

A $110 billion illusion?

Hormuz crisis may force reform – but only through catastrophe

Faith-based asset management

Why the Government must resist fuel tax cuts

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