Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Insights

New law, old mistakes

The Resource Management Act 1991 has driven up housing prices and failed environmentally, prompting the New Zealand Government’s plans for new legislative reforms. However, key protections and definitions remain inadequate in proposed bills. […]
Newsroom

Voters Hungary for change: It’s the economy, stupid

Hungary’s Premier Orbán faces challenges as economic issues and corruption allegations threaten his regime. Péter Magyar’s TISZA party gains support, promising reforms while highlighting the struggles of ordinary citizens amidst rising prices. […]
Insights

New Zealand’s new reality

New Zealand is negotiating a critical minerals deal with the U.S. under pressure for quick compliance, reminiscent of extraction rather than traditional ally negotiations, impacting security and expectations significantly. […]

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

Time to reform how governments reform

The Australian

04/02/2026

At the World Economic Forum, Mark Carney emphasised the need for middle powers to reform their policy-making systems. New Zealand’s recent reforms highlight the challenges of bureaucracy and accountability in achieving lasting change. […]

Donald Trump, the Kaiser in Mar-a-Lago

Newsroom

27/01/2026

Comparisons to Hitler are wrong. Trump is more like Kaiser Wilhelm II: an erratic media monarch dismantling the guardrails of democracy to satisfy his own fragile, dangerous ego. […]

Paying for growth

23/01/2026

There is an urgent need to reform housing funding by sharing GST on new builds with local councils to incentivise growth and improve housing affordability.

[…]

Trump aide’s ‘might-makes-right’ doctrine threatens Australia and New Zealand’s claims

20/01/2026

It is timely to reflect on Münster’s town hall, birthplace of the Westphalia peace treaty, contrasting its legacy with contemporary views on sovereignty – not least the erosion of established territorial norms, particularly through the actions of U.S. leaders.

[…]

To stop megaphone populists triumphing, we need unlikely left-right alliance

20/01/2026

The Mont Pelerin Society, often misunderstood as conspiratorial, actually advocates for classical liberalism, emphasising the need to protect democracy and open society against the rise of populism and authoritarianism.

[…]

The Warmth of the Herd

28/12/2025

Voters are losing patience with democratic process, sliding from civilisation’s hard order back into the comfortable order of the tribe. Thinking in principles is hard; belonging feels good.

[…]

When fiscal conservatives fall out, the books are in trouble

19/12/2025

New Zealand’s fiscal crisis is highlighted by a public spat between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Minister Ruth Richardson, revealing deep structural deficits and political constraints in addressing them.

[…]

From blueprints to building

19/12/2025

In 2025, New Zealand experienced a shift in attitudes as the government initiated significant reforms in housing, transport, and education, aiming for practical solutions and long-term improvements despite ongoing challenges.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

New law, old mistakes

Voters Hungary for change: It’s the economy, stupid

New Zealand’s new reality

Time to reform how governments reform

Donald Trump, the Kaiser in Mar-a-Lago

Paying for growth

Trump aide’s ‘might-makes-right’ doctrine threatens Australia and New Zealand’s claims

To stop megaphone populists triumphing, we need unlikely left-right alliance

The Warmth of the Herd

When fiscal conservatives fall out, the books are in trouble

From blueprints to building

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