Insights

‘Insights’ is the weekly newsletter of The New Zealand Initiative. Every Friday it provides comment pieces on domestic and global policy issues and the state of the world as such. It is a newsletter serious enough for a think tank – and lighthearted enough for an enjoyable Friday afternoon read. Please subscribe to ‘Insights’ by visiting the website of The New Zealand Initiative: www.nzinitiative.org.nz

spatial planning architectural model
Insights

New law, old mistakes

13/02/2026
The Resource Management Act 1991 has driven up housing prices and failed environmentally, prompting the New Zealand Government’s plans for new legislative reforms. However, key protections and definitions remain inadequate in proposed bills.

[…]

close up shot of mine stones
Insights

New Zealand’s new reality

05/02/2026
New Zealand is negotiating a critical minerals deal with the U.S. under pressure for quick compliance, reminiscent of extraction rather than traditional ally negotiations, impacting security and expectations significantly.

[…]

New framing is constructed home
Insights

Paying for growth

23/01/2026
There is an urgent need to reform housing funding by sharing GST on new builds with local councils to incentivise growth and improve housing affordability.

[…]

Insights

From blueprints to building

19/12/2025
In 2025, New Zealand experienced a shift in attitudes as the government initiated significant reforms in housing, transport, and education, aiming for practical solutions and long-term improvements despite ongoing challenges.

[…]

target board
Insights

The wrong target

26/09/2025
New Zealand’s economy declined 0.9% in June, with criticism aimed at the Reserve Bank for high interest rates, though fiscal policies exacerbated inflation, complicating recovery efforts.

[…]