Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Newsroom

Using Orbán tactics to purge opponents is wrong way to clean up Hungary

The Venice Commission, established for constitutional aid, faces challenges as Hungary’s Tisza party swiftly amends democracy rules post-Orbán, raising concerns over electoral legitimacy and future governance. […]
Insights

The revolving door at the end of the Pacific

New Zealand has high foreign-born residency and emigration rates. It offers social stability and satisfaction but faces economic challenges like low wages and housing affordability. Policy changes could retain more residents. […]
The Australian

Australia’s economic future is on display in NZ’s present

The comparison of Australia and New Zealand highlights their parallel reform histories, economic similarities, and diverging outcomes, with Australia benefiting from natural resources while New Zealand struggles post-reforms. […]

World map showing continents filled with numbers and digits against a starry background

Australian workers produce in 39 minutes what a New Zealand worker produces in an hour. We need to do better.

The New Zealand Herald

23/07/2026

New Zealand’s road toll has fallen significantly since 1973, yet it still ranks poorly internationally. The nation excels in societal metrics but lags in productivity, risking its economic standing. […]

World map with countries labeled by GDP, population, and economic growth statistics including charts and graphs

New Zealand by Comparison

Research reports

22/07/2026

The Initiative’s latest report evaluates its performance against 28 countries, ranking high in social metrics but low in economic productivity, signaling the need for reforms to enhance economic value. […]

the word jackpot spelled out in scrabble letters

Everyone is a winner with TOP

17/07/2026

The Opportunity Party’s radical tax proposal offers a ‘Citizen’s Income’ funded by land tax, seemingly benefiting most while raising questions about its financial viability and fairness.

[…]

Drowning in €3.5 trillion of debt, France faces a new revolution

14/07/2026

On France’s national holiday, commemorations for the Nice terror attack overshadow traditional celebrations. Economic challenges threaten the Republic, raising uncertainty for the 2027 presidential election and candidate Marine Le Pen’s future.

[…]

military ship in bosphorus istanbul daytime

Foreword to ‘Adrift – A Trading Nation, an Ageing Navy and the 2027 Frigate Decision’

14/07/2026

The foreword emphasizes the need for understanding frigates in New Zealand’s defense debate, highlighting their importance to national prosperity and security.

[…]

Topographic map of New Zealand with city names and layered numbers

Memory is a terrible statistician

09/07/2026

Nostalgic views of New Zealand’s past often overlook harsh realities. While some measures of well-being have improved since the 1970s, significant challenges persist, indicating a mixed narrative of progress.

[…]

Housing affordability and productivity must be tackled to keep NZ moving forward

09/07/2026

New Zealand has seen significant improvements in safety, health, and education since 1970, but productivity and housing issues persist, requiring bold reforms to address challenges.

[…]

elegant restaurant interior with dinner setup

Jim Chalmers’ guru Mariana Mazzucato is selling an old mistake

08/07/2026

Fourteen New Zealand restaurants received Michelin stars, indicating limited recognition despite government investment in promoting local cuisine. This mirrors past governmental attempts at industrial policy, often leading to market misconceptions and fiscal failures, as seen in both New Zealand and Australia.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

Using Orbán tactics to purge opponents is wrong way to clean up Hungary

The revolving door at the end of the Pacific

Australia’s economic future is on display in NZ’s present

Australian workers produce in 39 minutes what a New Zealand worker produces in an hour. We need to do better.

New Zealand by Comparison

Everyone is a winner with TOP

Drowning in €3.5 trillion of debt, France faces a new revolution

Foreword to ‘Adrift – A Trading Nation, an Ageing Navy and the 2027 Frigate Decision’

Memory is a terrible statistician

Housing affordability and productivity must be tackled to keep NZ moving forward

Jim Chalmers’ guru Mariana Mazzucato is selling an old mistake

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