Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Newsroom

Liberal democracy suffers its great leap backward

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. […]
Insights

A $110 billion illusion?

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 Australian

Hormuz crisis may force reform – but only through catastrophe

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

Insights

13/03/2026 0

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

The New Zealand Herald

12/03/2026 0

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. […]

Australia and New Zealand face productivity crisis as economic reform stalls

11/03/2026 0

Australia and New Zealand face economic challenges stemming from declining productivity. Their central banks have divergent policies, but both nations must address structural reforms to foster sustainable growth and efficiency.

[…]

Voters will decide whether to punch holes in Europe’s nuclear umbrella

10/03/2026 0

Prompted by unilateral American strikes, France and Germany just forged a historic European nuclear defence pact. Surging nationalist political movements, however, threaten to destroy this fragile strategy before it even begins.

[…]

The Temptations of Unfreedom Revisited

27/02/2026 0

In early 2004, a struggling German graduate contacted Lord Ralf Dahrendorf for guidance, leading to opportunities that highlighted Dahrendorf’s commitment to intellectual integrity and resistance against totalitarianism, especially in contemporary politics.

[…]

In the Meantime

25/02/2026 0

Interconnected crises affect civilisation, and investors must adapt to an emerging, increasingly tribal and less rational world.

[…]

EU is ignoring economics 101: those who spend must also pay

24/02/2026 0

The case against Eurobonds remains strong because of the moral hazard they create by enabling national governments to spend irresponsibly while shifting costs. Sound economic principles must prevail despite rising geopolitical pressures.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

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

Australia and New Zealand face productivity crisis as economic reform stalls

Voters will decide whether to punch holes in Europe’s nuclear umbrella

The Temptations of Unfreedom Revisited

In the Meantime

EU is ignoring economics 101: those who spend must also pay

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