Articles by Dr Oliver Hartwich

Oliver is the Executive Director of The New Zealand Initiative. Before joining the Initiative, he was a Research Fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, the Chief Economist at the Policy Exchange in London, and an advisor in the UK House of Lords. Oliver holds a master's degree in economics and business administration and a PhD in Law from Bochum University in Germany. Oliver is available to comment on all of the Initiative’s research areas.

Who runs the country? Restoring democratic control of New Zealand's public service

elocal magazine • Opinion • 11 Apr 2026

by Dr Oliver Hartwich

New Zealand’s ministers answer to Parliament for departments they cannot control. They cannot choose, direct or remove the chief executives who run those departments. The Public Service Commissioner makes those appointments. The New Zealand Initiative argues this arrangement is broken. It recommends that New Zealand adopt a version of Germany’s model, where ministers appoint their top officials while a protected career service operates below. ·…

Just the Opening Act

elocal magazine • Opinion • 1 Apr 2026

by Dr Oliver Hartwich

The Strait of Hormuz is closed. Flights through the Middle East have been cancelled. Petrol has surged well past $3 a litre. · Four thousand shipping containers of New Zealand meat and dairy sit stranded on rerouted vessels. Tourism operators are fielding mass cancellations. The Reserve Bank Governor gave an emergency speech to business leaders on Tuesday. · The national conversation, understandably, is about issues such as fuel prices,…

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