Insights
Balancing the books is only half the job
Both major parties in New Zealand promise budget surpluses and fiscal consolidation but need to address institutional reform for economic growth and competitiveness. […]
If I were PM: Fix the machine before the policies
Uncategorised
On my first day as prime minister, I would honestly address New Zealand’s decline, prioritise government reform over new initiatives, and focus on accountability and effective leadership in departments. […]
There was only one thing about Bürgen that was German and it was not the bread
Uncategorised
New Zealand’s Bürgen bread, wrongly branded as German, originated in Auckland in 1987. Its departure to Australia highlights tensions in country branding and consumer perception. […]
Insights
Tactical voting could sink MMP
Te Pāti Māori’s campaign strategy requests candidates’ votes for itself and party votes for allies, leveraging MMP’s overhang rule. This tactic could distort election outcomes, prompting reactions from voters.
The New Zealand Herald
How to sell assets – and win elections
The New Zealand Government sold Chorus loans for $702 million, prompting discussions on asset management strategies amid rising debt. The election will reveal contrasting views on state-owned assets and their potential sale.
Research reports
Unravelling MMP: How the 2026 election could break the voting system from two sides
Te Pāti Māori’s tactical voting strategy risks undermining MMP, prompting concerns about distorted election outcomes and calls for electoral reform to ensure voting integrity.
The Australian
Nothing gets done in NZ’s coalitions of the unwilling
New Zealand’s November 7 election presents diverse party options, yet potential coalitions may hinder fiscal reforms. A fragmented government could exacerbate public debt, leaving deficit reduction unlikely.
Insights
The umlaut premium
Bürgen bread, often mistaken as German, was actually an Australian product created by Doug Leighton, symbolising authenticity through its umlaut rather than true heritage.
Newsroom
Germany silent on suspected Russian drone attack to avoid boosting far right
A drone incident at Leipzig airport, intended to disrupt Ukrainian weapon supplies, raises concerns about potential Russian involvement amid cautious German governmental responses and political implications.