The Australian – Dr Oliver Hartwich

NZ’s most transparent government? Under Jacinda Ardern it’s the opposite

Despite a stated intention to bring public participation and transparency to New Zealand’s democracy, none of this has been achieved. Ardern’s government stands for the opposite. [...]

Some more equal than others? NZ has more in common with Orwell than the Magna Carta

times are changing, and in few places are they changing as rapidly as in New Zealand. Something radically different is emerging in New Zealand’s legal system. [...]

Inflation and the smoking gun in the case of NZ’s central bank

Never in the past two decades has the RBNZ deviated so much from where it should have set its OCR. The difference is so enormous, it calls into question the RBNZ’s professional judgement. [...]

New Zealand is now worse off than ever

There are two reasons why Ardern’s half-decade seems much longer. First, it was a time packed with events. And second, Ardern has left her mark on New Zealand. [...]

You could fix so much that’s wrong in NZ. So why choose a welfare system that works?

The New Zealand government has picked the one part of the New Zealand economy that does not require a big reform for its biggest legacy project: the welfare state. [...]

Blurring boundaries: how Jacinda Ardern challenges journalism’s ethics

The government offered money conditional on media giving up on the very principles that differentiate journalism from public relations. [...]

Voodoo economics guide NZ workplace relations

person welding wearing a prootective metal mask

While Australia has now started the process of reforming its broken employment relations system, New Zealand has started to break its working one. [...]

Lightweight Cameron the wrong role model for NZ’s National party

If New Zealand’s opposition politicians want to prepare themselves for the brutal and thankless tasks that lie ahead, David Cameron’s memoirs won’t help. In fact, they will lead them astray. [...]

System in freefall: why NZ children face education tragedy

Young New Zealanders have been let down by an education establishment which, over decades, has run a once world-leading education system into the ground. [...]

Disaster: the truth behind New Zealand’s full employment

white furred animals on green grass field

New Zealand has crippled its labour market. Only economic illiterates would celebrate this disaster as full employment. [...]