Year: 2025

Michael Pezzullo made the case for an integrated ANZAC military force, citing serious security threats from China and New Zealand’s precarious defence position.

Donald Trump’s interactions with Putin signify a shift from the post-war order, undermining US support for allies like Australia and New Zealand, compelling them to enhance military cooperation amid rising Chinese assertiveness.

Zapad 2025 poses significant risks for European security, as Russia’s military exercises may conceal aggressive intentions, testing NATO’s response amidst uncertainty about U.S. commitment to the alliance.

President Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs signals a significant shift away from globalization, threatening New Zealand’s economy by potentially damaging its vital export industries and trade relationships.

At the top of the agenda of The New Zealand Initiative’s meeting with the IMF are essential reforms in economic policy to address high government debt, fiscal deficits, housing affordability, and restrictive foreign investment, advocating for a dynamic economy.

The Kremlin’s propaganda undermines democratic discourse in New Zealand, as Trump defenders echo Russian narratives. This threatens Western security and illustrates the decline of conservative principles in politics.

Published in Quadrant magazine (Sydney), 26 February 2025 New Zealand is the best country on Planet Earth,” Christopher Luxon keeps telling everyone. Indeed, he has been saying this since before becoming Prime Minister. It is a marketing message, of course. And this should surprise no one. For New Zealand’s Prime Minister, a former chief executive […]

Foreword to ‘The People’s Portfolio’ by Dr Bryce Wilkinson, published by The New Zealand Initiative (Wellington), 25 February 2025 For some people, ‘privatisation’ is a dirty word. To me, it is the opposite. Maybe that has something to do with how I experienced the practical effects of privatisation – and the blessings it brought me. […]