The New Zealand Initiative is New Zealand's leading think tank.
The Initiative produces accessible, evidence-based research (available in print and online) with a focus on policy areas we believe are vital for a free and prosperous New Zealand.
Our researchers appear in the opinion pages of the country's leading newspapers and online magazines, including a weekly column in The National Business Review. They also regularly comment in their areas of expertise, both through media releases and as go-to experts on radio and television.
Our recent publications include:
- A series on local government incentives to improve housing affordability
- A study of poverty and inequality in New Zealand, and the role of housing costs
- A series on better measuring and improving school performance, and
- A set of reports on ensuring the sustainability of New Zealand's recreational fisheries
We host forums in which our members - the CEOs of New Zealand's major companies - discuss policy and regulatory issues. We brought our members on a policy mission to Switzerland, to study its localist approaches to policy-making. We also facilitate public addresses by leading national and international speakers, and host an annual debating tournament.
A great little country like New Zealand needs a great little think tank. We promote innovative policy solutions that help keep New Zealand a few steps ahead of the rest of the crowd.
In this short video below, Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich discusses the three focus areas of our 2017-2020 research plan.
