Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

The Australian

The day New Zealanders master Mixed Member Proportional, they may break it

New Zealand’s upcoming election features a tight race influenced by its mixed-member proportional system, creating unpredictable outcomes and potential overhangs. […]
Uncategorised

Should the government spend less? A debate between a neoliberal and a progressive

Max Rashbrooke and Oliver Hartwich debate whether the New Zealand government should increase or decrease spending, discussing economic principles, taxation, and the need for efficient public spending in addressing societal issues. […]
Newsroom

Trump’s diesel squeeze leaves NZ dangerously exposed

Donald Trump’s administration has ignited tensions with Europe over diesel export bans amid ongoing global fuel challenges, revealing vulnerabilities in international fuel security, notably affecting New Zealand. […]

federal constitutional court building in karlsruhe

National’s proposed Foodstuffs split: would a written constitution better protect property rights?

Uncategorised

05/10/2026

Reflections on the implications of New Zealand’s governance without a written constitution, especially the tension between parliamentary sovereignty and the need for judicial checks on state power. […]

When the Party Was Home

Quadrant

29/09/2026

Recent polling indicates that One Nation leads the Coalition in Australia, with both traditional parties losing popular support. The article reflects on the decline of established political parties, paralleling similar trends in Germany, Britain, and New Zealand. It highlights changes in political engagement, community ties, and decision-making processes as parties become more transactional and less rooted in social structures. This [...]

Is NZ now saying ‘no’ to foreign investment?

28/09/2026

New Zealand’s political climate is prompting law firms to temper investment advice, as proposed party policies threaten property rights, complicating the investment landscape for foreign clients.

[…]

wooden hand holding a wooden exclamation mark

Why we spoke up

25/09/2026

Business leaders express concern over election rhetoric and proposals threatening property rights, urging politicians to focus on economic stability and support for investment in New Zealand.

[…]

cutout paper appliques of hand with magnifier and chart

NZ shows how not to run a census

23/09/2026

New Zealand planned to replace traditional censuses with record-based data but faced legislative obstacles, leading to a mandatory census in 2028.

[…]

Why Europe’s warnings about Russia are vaguer than in 2022, but far louder

22/09/2026

Some reflections on past misjudgments about Putin’s actions and a warning of potential future threats against NATO.

[…]

An auction of stolen goods

11/09/2026

The New Zealand election campaign reveals parties proposing wealth redistribution policies, risking property rights and wealth creation. Instead, the focus should shift towards strategies that foster economic growth.

[…]

Moscow wins east German elections

08/09/2026

The recent Saxony-Anhalt election in Germany dramatically showcased political upheaval, with the far-right AfD nearing a majority, while traditional parties like CDU faced significant losses, complicating governance.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

The day New Zealanders master Mixed Member Proportional, they may break it

Should the government spend less? A debate between a neoliberal and a progressive

Trump’s diesel squeeze leaves NZ dangerously exposed

National’s proposed Foodstuffs split: would a written constitution better protect property rights?

When the Party Was Home

Is NZ now saying ‘no’ to foreign investment?

Why we spoke up

NZ shows how not to run a census

Why Europe’s warnings about Russia are vaguer than in 2022, but far louder

An auction of stolen goods

Moscow wins east German elections

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