Dr Oliver Hartwich

Bildung and the Machine

25/06/2026

AI’s rapid advancement raises concerns in education, reflecting a shift in focus from qualification to personal development. Emphasizing “Bildung” over “Ausbildung” is crucial for fostering critical thinking in students.

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ACC measuring wrong figure when it comes to getting people back to work

25/06/2026

The Accident Compensation Corporation aims to support recovery from injuries, but recent practices reflect a focus on numbers rather than actual recovery. Many individuals still struggle after payments cease, raising serious concerns about the system’s integrity.

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a therapist massaging the leg of a client

Half a Turnaround: Why ACC’s recovery must be built on rehabilitation, not exits

24/06/2026

The New Zealand Initiative report highlights that ACC’s recovery requires better rehabilitation practices, despite recent improvements in managing long-term claims and liabilities.

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In charge or just a ministerial performance?

23/06/2026

New Zealand’s government faces accountability issues, as a failed IT project exposes bureaucratic disconnection and mismanagement.

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The twenty-dollar week

19/06/2026

Labour’s proposed public transport fare caps raise questions due to unclear details. The $65 million cost versus potential savings challenges the effectiveness and fairness of the policy.

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sustainable pipelines in autumn forest landscape

Foreword to ‘Finance Freedom’

17/06/2026

Benno Blaschke’s reports underlines the success of financing models for infrastructure in New Zealand and outlines necessary improvements for future endeavors.

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facade of the humboldt forum an art museum in berlin germany

German leaders erase the big black zero they once worshipped

16/06/2026

The European Central Bank’s recent interest rate hike signals rising inflation and faltering growth in Germany, exposing severe structural budget issues and unsustainable spending promises.

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On borrowed calm

12/06/2026

Anger over socio-economic issues has propelled populist parties to prominence in countries like Australia, Britain, and Germany, while New Zealand’s political landscape remains more stable due to moderate forces.

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NZ’s nuclear superstition makes no sense

09/06/2026

New Zealand’s nuclear-free policy, while politically significant, limits discussions on nuclear technology’s diverse uses. Restrictions create contradictions, as the nation relies on foreign nuclear medicine despite its stance against domestic reactors.

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blonde woman standing near the checkout counter

Why New Zealand’s ‘flexible’ labour market fails on youth wages

09/06/2026

The New Zealand Initiative’s youth wage proposal emphasizes training value over fairness, suggesting a link between lower wages and skill development.

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