New Zealand – Page 2 – Dr Oliver Hartwich

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

Time to reform how governments reform

04/02/2026

At the World Economic Forum, Mark Carney emphasised the need for middle powers to reform their policy-making systems. New Zealand’s recent reforms highlight the challenges of bureaucracy and accountability in achieving lasting change.

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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.

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When fiscal conservatives fall out, the books are in trouble

19/12/2025

New Zealand’s fiscal crisis is highlighted by a public spat between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Minister Ruth Richardson, revealing deep structural deficits and political constraints in addressing them.

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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.

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Greyhound racing law change is legal overreach

11/12/2025

The New Zealand Government’s bill to ban greyhound racing raises concerns about arbitrary power and lacks compensation provisions, undermining the rule of law and civil society rights.

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The US ditching the rules-based order leaves NZ living on a prayer

09/12/2025

The American conservative viewpoint has drastically shifted from Reagan’s commitment to alliances and internationalism to Trump’s transactional approach, endangering global stability and leaving allies, like New Zealand, vulnerable.

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Directors who dodge their tax debts

05/12/2025

Inland Revenue wrote off $694.5 million in tax debt due to companies engaging in phoenix activity, prompting proposals for stricter insolvency regulations in New Zealand.

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The tax problem New Zealand cannot seem to solve

04/12/2025

New Zealand’s tax collection faces ongoing issues with tax debt write-offs. There are strategies from Germany and Australia to hold directors accountable and ensure fairness.

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NZ’s zombie rock star economy

03/12/2025

New Zealand’s economy in late 2025 shows conflicting signs: business confidence rises amid empty storefronts, a weakening population, and an unsteady recovery lacking strong fundamentals and genuine growth.

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Responsibility Before Ruin: A pre-emptive fix for NZ’s phoenix problem

02/12/2025

New Zealand’s tax revenue suffers due to directors abandoning failing companies without consequence. Proposed reforms inspired by Germany aim to enforce accountability, shifting responsibility to directors before insolvency.

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