Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

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. […]
Insights

Government by correspondence

New Zealand’s governance structure limits ministerial authority, making chief executives accountable to a commissioner instead. This system demands reforms, allowing ministers to appoint leaders for improved accountability and effectiveness. […]

black leather office rolling chairs beside brown wooden table

Who runs the country? No board would tolerate this

The New Zealand Herald

09/04/2026

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. […]

Who Runs the Country?

Research reports

08/04/2026

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. […]

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

New Zealand is too busy governing badly to govern well

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

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.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

Auckland’s new city deal shifts nothing

Splitting power generators from their retail arms would not cut electricity bills

Government by correspondence

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?

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