Expert analysis
14 Oct 2026
It’s time to bring lobbying out from the shadows
Commentary: With recent scandals highlighting the risks of lobbying done behind closed doors, NZ’s secret lobbying cultu...
13 Oct 2026
Only structural change will fix NZ’s glaring health equity gap – what voters should know
Commentary: The performance of New Zealand’s health system – from hospital staffing and resourcing to access to primary...
12 Oct 2026
Is NZ’s foreign policy ‘realism’ working? Why the next government faces a real choice
Commentary: The 2026 general election is taking place as the world experiences a tumultuous transition.
05 Oct 2026
Tax reform not the province of the major parties
Commentary: Most major parties reject or ignore health-focused remedial taxes, leaving major structural tax reform to le...
02 Oct 2026
What political parties should consider for their AI election policies
Commentary: So far, most parties have yet to announce major policies regarding AI.
30 Sep 2026
Low productivity is NZ’s economic elephant in the room. Election pledges mostly avoid it
Yesterday’s Pre-Election Economic and Fiscal Update from the Treasury has given political parties their clearest picture...
29 Sep 2026
Lobbying reform gains cross-party support, but National and Act stay silent
Commentary: Opportunity and the Greens lead with comprehensive anti-corruption manifestos while the Government halts ref...
28 Sep 2026
What do NZ voters really care about? A global comparison reveals some surprises
Commentary: As New Zealand heads toward a general election, political parties are setting out their priorities and candi...
25 Sep 2026
Solar outshines political polarisation on energy and climate
Commentary: The take-home from our survey of political parties on climate mitigation and energy systems was that, troubl...
14 Sep 2026
Political polls have a science problem
Commentary: This general election will be close and opinion polls may make a significant difference to the outcome. We m...
13 Aug 2026
NZ wants a high‑tech future. Its proposed physics curriculum may make that harder
Commentary: New Zealand is placing big bets on science and technology, with plans to boost high-tech research funding by...
11 Aug 2026
NZ First says population trends are at a ‘crisis point’. The reality is not that simple
Commentary: NZ First’s announcement of a policy to encourage New Zealanders to have more babies was made with dramatic u...