Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

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. […]
Insights

Just the opening act

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

Newsroom

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?

Insights

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. […]

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf

Hormuz crisis may force reform – but only through catastrophe

17/03/2026

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

13/03/2026

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

12/03/2026

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

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

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

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.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

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?

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

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