2018 – Page 5 – Dr Oliver Hartwich

An assault on representative democracy

The Waka Jumping Bill is more reminiscent of early 20th century Germany than suited to 21st century New Zealand. It would be an aberration of New Zealand’s democratic tradition if it were passed into law. [...]

Caution needed on value capture

As tempting it may appear to tap into land value uplifts, we need to be cautious. The model can work – but we need to apply it only in the cases where it can work. [...]

Monkey business

I have never been the greatest fan of PETA, the radical animal rights organisation. But PETA’s latest publicity stunt made me rethink my prejudices. [...]

Trans-Tasman perspectives on transparency in decision-making: A view from New Zealand

The link between transparency and the political reform process. [...]

Drilling further into the Government’s hole

When you are in a hole, stop drilling. That must have been the Government’s motivation for stopping oil and gas exploration. [...]

Will the Living Standards Framework replace budgetary analysis?

The Treasury should clarify the relationship between its Living Standards Framework and mainstream cost benefit analysis. [...]

Changing the monetary guards

Adrian Orr has his work cut out. He will migrate the Reserve Bank towards a changed operating model while having to maintain its credibility for keeping prices relatively stable. [...]

The Reserve Bank in Wonderland

With its new Policy Targets Agreement, the Reserve Bank has arrived in Wonderland. It looks as if it has a new employment target. But it is (thankfully) subject to interpretation. [...]

A question of optics

Few countries run as much on informal relationships as New Zealand. But that makes it even more important to adhere to good governance practices. [...]

Trump and other hypocrites

When discussing free trade, most governments sit in their own glasshouses. Trump’s protectionism deserves a response. But it should be an even greater commitment to free trade, not retaliation. [...]