Quadrant
Nasty, Brutish and Short-Sighted
The post-1945 global order faces decline as major powers disregard rules, risking international chaos reminiscent of Hobbes’ “state of nature” without strong authority. […]
Auckland’s new city deal shifts nothing
The Australian
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. […]
Splitting power generators from their retail arms would not cut electricity bills
The New Zealand Herald
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.
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 Australian
New Zealand is too busy governing badly to govern well
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.
Quadrant
The End of the Golden Bargain
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.