New Zealand – Page 3 – Dr Oliver Hartwich

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

New Zealand is too busy governing badly to govern well

31/03/2026

New Zealand’s government is shelving a referendum for extending the parliamentary term from three to four years, despite widespread support. A three-year term leads to urgency in legislation, hindering reform and effective governance, necessitating change.

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Just the opening act

27/03/2026

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz and global tensions signal a serious crisis affecting New Zealand’s economy, prompting urgent discussions about fuel prices, interest rates and national preparedness for ongoing geopolitical instability.

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close up shot of a piggy bank beside coins

A $110 billion illusion?

20/03/2026

KiwiSaver, with $110 billion in assets, is set to increase contribution rates. However, past evaluations indicate it has not proven to enhance overall wealth, merely shifting funds without increasing savings.

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The Strait of Hormuz connects the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf

Hormuz crisis may force reform – but only through catastrophe

17/03/2026

New Zealand faces an economic crisis due to rising oil prices and supply disruptions, prompting officials to prepare contingency plans. Previous crises were met with borrowing rather than structural reforms, perpetuating deep-rooted issues.

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putting coins in a container using a silver small shovel

Faith-based asset management

13/03/2026

New Zealand’s first National Infrastructure Plan revealed poor asset management and accountability despite high spending, highlighting the need for a long-term, informed approach to infrastructure.

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Why the Government must resist fuel tax cuts

12/03/2026

New Zealand, after years of stagnation, faced renewed hope, but the Middle East war sparked inflation and economic challenges. The government must address the real issues without misguided financial interventions.

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Australia and New Zealand face productivity crisis as economic reform stalls

11/03/2026

Australia and New Zealand face economic challenges stemming from declining productivity. Their central banks have divergent policies, but both nations must address structural reforms to foster sustainable growth and efficiency.

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the word trading spelled out in scrabble letters

Dismantling the competition myth

17/02/2026

Australia’s economic transformation since the 1980s resulted more from Hawke-Keating reforms that opened markets than from the Trade Practices Act. Effective competition arises from fewer barriers, not merely regulations.

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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.

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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.

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