The Australian
As NZ political centre narrows, should Luxon consider grand coalition?
The idea of a grand coalition in New Zealand faces challenges; past German experiences show limited reform success and political risks.
New Zealand
Insights
They came in peace. We came with clipboards.
The Martian Audit portrays two Martians touring New Zealand, baffled by absurd legalities, ultimately deciding invading Australia would be simpler.
Research reports
The Martian Audit
The Martian Audit is a satirical novella featuring Martian auditors who, upon encountering New Zealand’s bureaucratic absurdities, decide the country is not worth conquering, humorously critiquing public policy and governance.
The Australian
Why NZ’s government struggles to pass reforms
In 2026, New Zealand’s coalition government faced obstacles implementing promised reforms, as bureaucratic resistance led to diluted policies on medicine regulation, planning law, and the Reserve Bank’s powers, highlighting challenges in governmental effectiveness.
Insights
Is the public service really fine?
The New Zealand public service faces structural issues necessitating reform, as highlighted by a recent report arguing for ministerial appointment of chief executives despite opposing critiques.
The Australian
Auckland’s new city deal shifts nothing
New Zealand signed its first city deal with Auckland, promising funding for local projects. However, it lacks real local autonomy and continues centralised control from Wellington, limiting true local governance.
The New Zealand Herald
Splitting power generators from their retail arms would not cut electricity bills
With rising energy prices, New Zealand First proposes splitting electricity companies, but the argument lacks economic merit. Vertical integration helps stabilise prices, making competition effective despite consumer inertia in switching suppliers.
Insights
Government by correspondence
New Zealand’s governance structure limits ministerial authority, making chief executives accountable to a commissioner instead. This system demands reforms, allowing ministers to appoint leaders for improved accountability and effectiveness.
The New Zealand Herald
Who runs the country? No board would tolerate this
New Zealand’s government system, where chief executives are appointed by an independent commissioner without ministerial input, hinders effective governance and lacks accountability, unlike practices in other democracies.
Research reports
Who Runs the Country?
New Zealand’s ministers lack control over departments, so my report suggests reforms to improve accountability by allowing ministerial appointments of chief executives, learning from OECD counterparts like Germany and Australia.