Articles in ‘Opinion’

Given NZ’s vulnerability to natural disasters, this article raises questions about new legislation that should be of concern to everyone. · Two weeks ago we had a flood in our house after a water pipe burst in the ceiling cavity. Within 2 days our insurance company had assessed and settled the claim. We were able to start work immediately to remedy the damage. In contrast, on January 18th we suffered a devastating rain event. Over 300mm of rain…

At the 2026 St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF), leaders from Russia, China, Uzbekistan and Tanzania repeatedly returned to one central theme: sovereignty. Not sovereignty as a slogan, but sovereignty as an economic strategy. Sovereignty of finance. Sovereignty of energy. Sovereignty of technology. Sovereignty of infrastructure. Sovereignty of supply chains. Sovereignty of industry. President Vladimir Putin described what he…

As we move through the first week of June, the overall picture for New Zealand's fuel supply remains stable, with regular coastal distribution continuing and several significant international fuel tankers arriving at key ports. While there are some positive signs emerging, there are also a few areas that deserve ongoing monitoring. · The Good News · The biggest positive this week was activity at Marsden Point. · Two international product…

For years, New Zealanders have been told that giving unelected representatives voting rights on council committees was about inclusion, partnership, and better decision-making. This week, the Government effectively said something many ratepayers have been saying for a long time. · Advice can be appointed. · Power should be elected. · The Government has announced that voting rights on council committees will be restricted to elected councillors.…

For years New Zealand First has been politically underestimated. Written off. Declared finished. · Told its support base was ageing out. · Yet somehow, election after election, Winston Peters keeps proving political commentators wrong. Now, as New Zealand heads toward the 2026 General Election, a growing number of voters are beginning to ask a serious question: · What if New Zealand First is no longer simply a coalition partner? · What if it…

This morning the Children's Commissioner and a cross-sector coalition called on the Government to build an independent online-safety regulator. They are too late to ask. The Government is already building one, and it has not waited for a law. Budget 2026 allocated $30.7 million to the Department of Internal Affairs over four years to "develop policy and possible regulatory options to improve children's online safety, subject to future policy…

The Free Speech Union is writing to the Chair of the University of Otago Council this week, asking what steps the Council will take after a recent community email from Vice-Chancellor Hon Grant Robertson took an institutional position on a contested political issue. In an email to the Otago community, the Vice-Chancellor described the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill as "unnecessary and disturbing" at a personal level.…

As we move into winter, New Zealand's fuel supply chain continues to perform well despite operating within a system that remains heavily dependent on imported refined products. The latest vessel schedules show a healthy flow of fuel arriving at key ports around the country, with Marsden Point once again acting as the primary gateway into New Zealand's fuel network. There are no immediate signs of supply disruption, and motorists can take…

This week’s Budget confirmed what most New Zealanders already suspected. The government’s finances are tight, the deficit persists, and there is no pot of money waiting to be spent on the country’s problems. Dr Oliver Hartwich | Executive Director | oliver.hartwich@nzinitiative.org.nz · Just as well, because government spending never delivers growth or prosperity. The question is, what will? · While the reformers of the mid-1980s faced an…

Budget 2026 has been presented as a disciplined roadmap back toward stability. · Finance Minister Nicola Willis framed the budget around restraint, infrastructure, fiscal responsibility and resilience during a period of rising geopolitical uncertainty, fuel shocks and slowing economic growth. And to be fair, some of the numbers are significant. · Billions are being directed into hospitals, roads, rail, schools, energy security and frontline…