Dr Oliver Hartwich Views from Wellington

Insights

Memory is a terrible statistician

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. […]
The New Zealand Herald

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

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. […]
The Australian

Jim Chalmers’ guru Mariana Mazzucato is selling an old mistake

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. […]

New Zealand by Numbers 2026

Research reports

08/07/2026

A report from The New Zealand Initiative analyses indicators of national life, revealing long-term improvements and ongoing challenges, highlighting the need for evidence-based policy. […]

What NZ must learn from Germany’s sudden €20 billion military meltdown

Newsroom

30/06/2026

Germany’s military procurement failures highlight the need for New Zealand to spend wisely on defense. […]

crop anonymous woman stretching elastic band near professional chiropractor

Better on the books

26/06/2026

The ACC’s efforts to improve support for injury recovery showed progress but rely on questionable metrics. Enhanced rehabilitation could significantly reduce future costs and ensure genuine recovery.

[…]

AI’s rapid advancement raises concerns in education, reflecting a shift in focus from qualification to personal development. Emphasizing “Bildung” over “Ausbildung” is crucial for fostering critical thinking in students.

[…]

ACC measuring wrong figure when it comes to getting people back to work

25/06/2026

The Accident Compensation Corporation aims to support recovery from injuries, but recent practices reflect a focus on numbers rather than actual recovery. Many individuals still struggle after payments cease, raising serious concerns about the system’s integrity.

[…]

a therapist massaging the leg of a client

Half a Turnaround: Why ACC’s recovery must be built on rehabilitation, not exits

24/06/2026

The New Zealand Initiative report highlights that ACC’s recovery requires better rehabilitation practices, despite recent improvements in managing long-term claims and liabilities.

[…]

In charge or just a ministerial performance?

23/06/2026

New Zealand’s government faces accountability issues, as a failed IT project exposes bureaucratic disconnection and mismanagement.

[…]

The twenty-dollar week

19/06/2026

Labour’s proposed public transport fare caps raise questions due to unclear details. The $65 million cost versus potential savings challenges the effectiveness and fairness of the policy.

[…]

Dr Oliver Hartwich

Views from Wellington

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

New Zealand by Numbers 2026

What NZ must learn from Germany’s sudden €20 billion military meltdown

Better on the books

Bildung and the Machine

ACC measuring wrong figure when it comes to getting people back to work

Half a Turnaround: Why ACC’s recovery must be built on rehabilitation, not exits

In charge or just a ministerial performance?

The twenty-dollar week

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