ANNUAL REport 2019

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — i The New Zealand Initiative Annual Report 2019 © The New Zealand Initiative 2020

Published by The New Zealand Initiative PO Box 10147 Wellington 6143 New Zealand www.nzinitiative.org.nz

Designed by Angela Whitney, www.angelawhitney.com Printed by True North New Zealand Ltd

Cover photo: Oliver Hartwich / Villa Maria Estate, (2019) ii — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Contents

Foreword 03 Highlights of our year 30

What we stand for 04 What others say about us 42

Our principles 05 Our team 44

Our research & submissions 09 Our board 47

Our engagement 18 Our members 50

Engagement with members 19 Events 21 Media 28

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 01 “The New Zealand Initiative does remarkable work in raising rational discourse and critical thinking. Its contribution is incredibly valuable for society, especially one which focuses on growth, development and prosperity. The provocation of ideas by the Initiative puts New Zealand on the map as a global thought leader and creates a breeding ground for important conversations to tremendously as a whole.” Suzi Jamil | Owner and Director, Think Inc. Foreword

The Prime Minister called 2019 “the year of Given these widely shared goals, we are We also organised our business delegation delivery”. Later this year, voters will deliver most disappointed with the speed of reform visit to Denmark and Sweden, which saw their verdict on that statement and promise. in New Zealand. We can and should do three dozen New Zealand business leaders much better. learn about the Scandinavian economies. At the Initiative, it was definitely a year of We hosted events with domestic and delivery for us. Over the year, we produced To that end, in our published work international experts, including former a record number of reports, research notes over 2019, we highlighted practical Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and submissions. Our team has continued solutions to some of New Zealand’s most and US psychologist Jonathan Haidt. to focus on the big issues that really matter pressing challenges. Our reports on to the prosperity of New Zealanders. energy policy showed how we can achieve At the Initiative, we are proud of what a low-emissions future by using market our team has delivered. We look forward Our views on these coincide with mechanism. On transport policy, we laid to informing New Zealand debates in Government’s goals. out how congestion charging can un-clog this election year and in the future. Swimmable rivers, sustainable freshwater our cities. Our analysis of education data management, making housing affordable, revealed how our schools are performing better education for all our children, and how they could learn from each other. significant reductions in child poverty, The Government has been receptive to reducing carbon emissions, improving our views. We can see that our ideas on transport and supporting regional economic competitive land markets are informing development: These are neither left-wing emerging reforms around the RMA. nor right-wing, conservative or liberal, Meanwhile, the Government engaged with progressive or traditional objectives. us on the use of school data to improve These are the things all New Zealanders the performance of the education system. Roger Partridge Dr Oliver Hartwich want and deserve. Chairman Executive Director

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 03 What we stand for

The New Zealand Initiative What truly sets us apart is Our vision is to contribute to is a unique organisation, and while most think tanks are a prosperous, free and fair not just by New Zealand only loosely affiliated with society with a competitive, standards. their donors, we take the open and dynamic economy. opposite approach. We are a non-partisan think We believe our goals and tank, we are an association We are proud to have values are similar – if not of business leaders, we are some of New Zealand’s identical – to what most an evidence-based research highest profile business New Zealanders want to institute, and most of all we leaders among our diverse see achieved: are independent. We believe membership and who bring these are not contradictions. a wide range of interests, experiences and ideas.

A good Affordable An open A free and The protection Sound public A stable education housing economy democratic of our natural finances currency system society resources and heritage

04 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Our principles

The challenge in public policy is often not to define what you want to achieve, but to find ways of achieving widely shared goals. Every good think tank needs solid foundations. These are ours:

We are credible. We are evidence-based. We are non-partisan. We are independent. We are committed. Our research is based Our recommendations We engage with We promote good public Our members and the on a sound theoretical are supported by parties from across the policy, not the interests of Initiative team share the framework and is empirical, and often . individual businesses or vision to build a better rigorously peer-reviewed. international, evidence. industries. New Zealand.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 05 2019

radio and television 12 277 appearances Initiative events opinion articles 71 33 published speaking held, hosting (including 140 engagements Insights pieces) 32 speakers

1 research business delegation 269 interns direct media to Denmark with 3 mentions 37 research reports international & submissions speakers 24 published 4,656 engaged Insights readers 4,382 2,642 210,045 Facebook likes followers YouTube video views

06 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 07 OUR RESEARCH & SUBMISSIONS Our research

Our report restarted the discussion about He found that the proposal was

KiwiBuild in various media outlets with conspicuous by a lack of exemptions and KiwiBuild: headlines like “Phil Twyford defends concessions around business investment, Twyford’s tar baby KiwiBuild after damning report”. Bryce so a full rate would arguably qualify Dr Bryce Wilkinson spoke about his research on TVNZ New Zealand’s CGT regime as one of Breakfast, and , the harshest in the world. And given Newstalk ZB, , Stuff, and New Zealand’s recognisably low-income also covered it tax thresholds by international standards, In January, we released our first research extensively. The ACT Party supported a new CGT would disproportionally hit note of 2019 written by Dr Bryce the report with a press release. middle-income earners already struggling Wilkinson. to invest for retirement.

Bryce examined the public Newstalk ZB and Talk interviewed policy justifications for KiwiBuild Patrick about his policy point. He also – the government programme to build wrote about his findings in The National or deliver 100,000 homes in 10 years – The pitfalls of CGT Business Review and our weekly to find they do not stack up. Dr Patrick Carvalho Insights newsletter.

KiwiBuild has no clear public interest rationale and it won’t increase the housing stock enduringly. Bryce #localismNZ: explained why it makes no sense for In February, we released our first policy Bringing power taxpayers to subsidise KiwiBuild homes, point – a two-page policy analysis – on to the people but neither does it make sense for the the Tax Working Group’s proposed Ben Craven, Jack government to commission houses on broad-based top rate of 33% capital Goldingham-Newsom an unsubsidised basis. gains tax (CGT). and Dr Oliver Hartwich

The report emphasised what is really Research Fellow Dr Patrick Carvalho With New Zealanders’ attitudes needed to solve New Zealand’s housing argued in The Pitfalls of CGT that towards devolved government shifting, affordability problem: decisive action the headline rate would immediately many believe now is the time to to increase land supply for residential push New Zealand to the top of the explore localism. housing and to reduce regulatory red international CGT rankings among tape to reduce construction costs industrialised economies, just behind Devolving New Zealand’s government across the board. Denmark and Finland. will enable us to deliver a programme

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 09 of services tailored to the citizens living Since renewables already account for When the government announced it had in each city. It will allow the members of 83 percent of our electricity, achieving an accepted the ICCC’s recommendations, that city to determine their own affairs additional 17 percent may not sound like Matt said: and govern their communities as they see a big challenge. The Interim Committee is directly fit. Our democracy will be kicked back However, Matt Burgess showed in his responsible for New Zealand to life and everyone will be able to fully report Switched On! why the 100 percent avoiding an environmental participate in community affairs. renewable target is an ambitious one. and economic disaster in the #localismNZ explained the rationale To achieve it while keeping energy 100% renewables policy. The behind localism, responded to commonly affordable and reliable requires careful Government’s decision to allow an heard objections, and outlined how policy thinking. independent committee to evaluate unusual New Zealand’s centralism its flagship environmental policy, The report identified what New Zealand is when compared internationally. then make changes in response should do – and avoid – to transition to a New Zealand’s councils have limited fiscal to their findings, is exceptional. renewable energy future. autonomy. Their mandate is also much more restricted than local government Matt discussed his findings with in other parts of the world. Mike Hosking on Newstalk ZB, in an opinion piece for The National Business Dr Oliver Hartwich, along with Ben Tomorrow’s Review, and in our weekly Insights Craven and Jack Goldingham-Newsom, Schools: newsletter. His report was referenced made the case for localism by spelling Data and evidence in several other interviews, including out how much better New Zealand could Joel Hernandez an endorsement from Fraser Whineray, be by adopting devolution and being Chief Executive of Mercury. closer to the people. We further discussed our research A comprehensive and year-long after the Interim Climate Change econometric analysis of data for Commission (ICCC) released its Switched On! 400,000 students undertaken by landmark report in July. The ICCC found Achieving a green, Policy Analyst Joel Hernandez revealed that the government’s 100 percent affordable and there are no significant differences in renewable electricity policy would reliable energy school performance between schools hike power prices and potentially future of different deciles. deliver worse environmental outcomes. Matt Burgess The committee recommended that Adjusted for the different student the government prioritise other more populations they serve, the vast majority The coalition Government has committed effective emissions policies. of New Zealand’s secondary schools that by 2035, all our electricity shall be create the education outcomes we would generated from renewables. expect from them.

10 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE This finding calls into question the practice. The environmental costs of Refreshing Water: assertion of the Tomorrow’s Schools not resolving iwi claims are too great. Valuing the Independent Taskforce, led by priceless In Refreshing Water: Valuing the priceless, Bali Haque, which claimed that “quality of Dr Eric Crampton Dr Eric Crampton proposed a cap- our schools varies significantly.” There is and-trade system for managing water no evidence for this statement in the data allocations that shares the burden of provided by Statistics New Zealand’s via reducing water use between existing its Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI). New Zealand deserves far better water water users and the Crown, that embeds Our research also buried the old myth that management. Too much water is being strong environmental bottom-lines into the school quality is linked to school decile. drawn in some river basins (catchments) trading system, and that recognises iwi As Dr Oliver Hartwich said: – to the detriment of aquifers and rights in water. We believe this is the best rivers. Scores of newspaper articles way for the government to progress its We know that excellence and and rigorous reports have laid out the agenda in improving freshwater quality. underperformance exist in problems in the current system. individual schools in both high In early 2020, Eric will examine in a and low deciles. Our tool, once Fixing the problem requires reducing the second report the more technically employed by the Education amount of water drawn in those places. challenging case for cap-and-trade Ministry, can identify how each systems for nutrient management. The most promising way of reducing school is doing. This could then water use harnesses the same kind be used by the Education Review of policy New Zealand is developing Office, Boards of Trustees or even to reduce carbon emissions: a trading Education Hubs that the Taskforce scheme. Capping the total water take Biting education wants to set up. within a catchment, converting existing bullets The Initiative will be releasing further water rights consents into tradeable Dr Eric Crampton results from its econometric study permits, and letting permit-holders trade throughout 2020, and is making its their drawing rights allows New Zealand model available to all researchers to do the most good in improving and government departments using environmental quality. As teachers prepared to leave the Statistics New Zealand’s IDI. classroom on strike, we proposed a The solution is well recognised. potential solution to the seemingly But progress has been stymied because impossible impasse in our policy point successive governments have been Biting education bullets. unwilling to address iwi water claims. Resolving iwi water rights is important Dr Eric Crampton argued that Education for its own sake. But it is also critical Minister Chris Hipkins is in a thoroughly in enabling far better environmental unenviable position.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 11 Providing a pay increase sufficient The Initiative agrees with the isolation. There is little we can do about to attract and retain the best teachers government’s goal of a highly skilled and either of these factors. But that makes would blow out the budget if offered innovative workforce and an economy it critical we get our policy settings to all 60,000 existing teachers. Every that delivers decent, well-paid jobs right in the areas we can control. Areas 10 percent increase in teachers’ salaries and broad-based gains from economic like education, housing and planning, costs about $400 million; a 25 percent growth. It is a laudable aim and it is what infrastructure, foreign investment, social increase would cost a billion dollars governments should strive for. policy, regulation and the allocation and match the entire PHARMAC budget. of regulatory decision-making powers However, our research found that the between local and central government. Paying more to attract new staff case for the recommendations of the while allowing principals to award FPAWG in pursuit of the goal does If we solve New Zealand’s policy higher salaries to their best teachers not stack up. problems in these areas, the country could square the circle. It would also allow can confidently look forward to a more Both the evidence and the academic the salary increases needed to attract and productive, high-wage economy. literature suggest FPAs would be likely to retain the best teachers without requiring harm productivity and be contrary to the We had extensive media coverage large cuts (or tax increases) elsewhere. interests of workers, the unemployed, and contributed to many debates with Eric was interviewed on Magic Talk Drive, consumers, and overall wellbeing. this report. Roger appeared on TVNZ and The New Zealand Herald also covered Rather than advancing the government’s Breakfast and Bryce spoke on NBR Radio his findings. vision of a high-wage, high-productivity and Radio New Zealand’s Nine to Noon economy, FPAs would undermine it. programme. Roger’s opinion piece on the topic was published on The New Zealand If we want a more productive, higher- Herald website. Work in Progress: wage economy, introducing compulsory Why Fair Pay collective bargaining across industries The report was also covered on , Agreements would and occupations is not the way to Stuff, The New Zealand Herald, Kiwiblog, be bad for labour achieve it. Interest, BusinessDesk and Newsroom. Roger Partridge and Supportive media releases were issued Many factors have been blamed for Dr Bryce Wilkinson by the Employers and Manufacturers New Zealand’s poor productivity growth, Association (EMA), the National Party, including our small size and geographic In Work in Progress, Roger Partridge BusinessNZ, and the ACT Party. and Dr Bryce Wilkinson evaluated the recommendations of the Fair Pay Agreement Working Group (FPAWG) released in late 2018 in fulfilment of a Coalition promise to review New Zealand’s deregulated labour markets.

12 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE When the The Unreserved Living after facts change: Bank of Midnight: For a How the ICCC saved New Zealand: better night-time New Zealand from Why unorthodox environment a policy disaster monetary policy Natanael Rother with Matt Burgess needs boundaries Jenesa Jeram Dr Oliver Harwich, Dr Eric Crampton In Living after Midnight, Natanael Rother Analysis by the Interim Climate and Professor Robert highlighted New Zealand’s antiquated Change Committee’s (ICCC) found MacCulloch way of restricting life after dark. Our that the Government’s 100 percent current approach fails to make use of renewable electricity policy would hike With the larger-than-anticipated cut the social and economic opportunities a power prices and potentially deliver to the OCR to 1 percent on 7 August neatly managed nightlife can offer – while worse environmental outcomes. They 2019, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand addressing existing concerns. recommended the government prioritise surprised markets and sent a strong other more effective emissions policies. signal that unorthodox or unconventional The report explained how cities, monetary policy could be on the cards. such as Melbourne and Amsterdam, When the Government announced it had have implemented very different, but accepted the ICCC’s recommendations, In a research note, Dr Oliver Hartwich, successful, solutions to enable a thriving Matt Burgess published this research note. Dr Eric Crampton and macroeconomics and safe nightlife. Professor Robert MacCulloch argued In the research note, Matt welcomed that predictability of the Reserve We proposed some relatively modest the quality of the process run by the Bank is needed to retain its credibility, policy changes for improving the night- Government and said their decision independence and reputation, especially time economy in New Zealand: to allow an independent committee to under unconventional circumstances. evaluate its flagship environmental policy, • Appoint night mayors to balance In our view, this would also require and then make changes in response to legitimate interests changes in the wording of the Remit their findings, is exceptional. • Improve local decision-making to of the Monetary Policy Committee. implement processes that support Emissions policies vary enormously in As the Reserve Bank takes on fiscal resolution of difficulties their effectiveness and New Zealand functions, its political neutrality and • Tackle public health issues with could achieve a step change in its efforts commitment to monetary stability, as well specific programmes to help those to lower emissions just by checking as maximum sustainable employment, who need it the most. Targeted whether emissions policies work using need to be re-emphasised. initiatives such as South Dakota’s 24/7 the ICCC’s approach. sobriety project are a valid inspiration. That is why we called the Interim In times of ever-increasing urbanisation, Committee’s report historic. today’s problems will become even more

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 13 pressing for policymakers tomorrow. This research note, by Natanael Rother, In 2011, Statistics New Zealand created The proposals and the international provided new ideas for the ongoing what is now the country’s largest experiences described in Living after reform project. To complement the research database, the Integrated Data Midnight will not solve every problem Minister’s all-embracing ambitions, Infrastructure (IDI). It contains data on of New Zealand’s nightlife. We believe, Natanael included proposals for both more than 5 million people covering however, that they are the first steps the structure of vocational education in education, health, tax and income, social towards a more balanced way of general and for the future of industry- services, housing and much more. dealing with the nightlife. based education in New Zealand: Joel Hernandez used this world-leading 1. Make Institutes of Technology and database to create a school performance Polytechnics (ITPs) self-sufficient to tool and analyse 400,000 students across Hands-on: help them find matching partners, 480 New Zealand secondary schools New suggestions if necessary. over the past ten years. Our tool was able to reform the 2. Clearly distinguish between industry- to measure how much value each school vocational sector based and school-based vocational added to their students independent of in New Zealand pathways to help students and each student’s family socioeconomic Natanael Rother employers alike to know what to background. expect from the respective courses. The opportunities of industry-based The results indicated that the differences 3. Strengthen industry-based training qualifications are highly underestimated in school performance typically seen in in the sense of dual education where in New Zealand. It is therefore laudable NCEA league tables largely reflect the students split their time between work that Minister of Education Chris Hipkins differences in the communities those and education to increase the long- proposed reforms to the vocational sector schools serve, not large differences in debated proximity between learning that include industry-based education. school quality or effectiveness. Once content and employer’s needs. family background has been separated, In his analysis presented on 1 August the large performance differences 2019, Minister Hipkins rightly pointed out between deciles disappear; however, that the vocational sector in New Zealand In Fairness to our high- and underperforming schools still today is overly complex and not attractive Schools: Better exist across all deciles. enough for neither students nor measures for better employers. His proposal to merge school- Another noteworthy finding was that outcomes based and industry-based pathways when evaluated on University Entrance Joel Hernandez under one monolith institution, however, results, 42 decile 1 and 2 schools not only fails to provide solutions to those outperformed 75% of every other problems but also undermines successful The evaluation of school performance secondary school in the country. institutions within today’s environment. presented in our report In Fairness to our The purpose of our school performance Schools is unprecedented in New Zealand. tool is to show what can and should be

14 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE done with the world-leading data available student risk factors, Dr Eric Crampton to look beyond deciles and NCEA in the IDI. We believe the insights gained responded with this research note saying league tables when deciding where to from our tool should be provided to all the government is right to erase the educate their child. They could quickly schools, principals and boards of trustees stigma attached to lower decile schools. tell whether the local school is among by the Ministry of Education. the wide band of schools performing While lower decile schools fare worse about as well as expected, one of the If used by the Ministry, our tool in league tables of NCEA performance, star performers or whether it needs to could provide annual reports to every those performance differences are improve. This would not only end decile secondary in the country to give fair and largely due to factors outside of the stigma, it would help teachers, leaders objective information on their performance, school’s control. The Initiative’s report, and school boards to govern and improve evaluate the work of the Education Review In Fairness to our Schools, shows that their schools. Office, inform boards of trustees and more than 40 percent of decile 1 and principals, monitor new teaching methods, 2 schools are in the top 25 percent and even give career advice. of overall school performance – once factors outside of the school’s control New Zealand has the means to identify The Price is Right: are properly accounted for. There are top-performing and poor performing The road to a better excellent schools across the decile ranks, schools using IDI data and learn lessons transport system as is hidden underperformance in higher from their successes and failures. Dr Patrick Carvalho decile schools. This report, alongside the corresponding While it can make sense for funding technical report, Separating School and to be linked to individual pupil New Zealand needs a land transport Family, is the first of many future reports characteristics rather than the system that is fit for purpose. That on improving school performance and neighbourhood characteristics, the means a wide range of transport options education outcomes in New Zealand. proposals do little to solve the underlying that are safe, reliable, environmentally problems. Eric highlighted how the friendly and cost-effective. The current Ministry of Education could (if allowed transport environment, however, fails Seeing the problem, by the government) provide reports to to hit that mark. but missing the school principals and Boards of Trustees We need to, and we can, do better. point: Decile of every secondary school in the country dilemmas telling them how well their school is The Price is Right showed how a road Dr Eric Crampton performing. It could detail the school’s pricing system – where users pay charges performance over time, both on average based on distance, time, location and With the government’s announcement and for targeted and at-risk cohorts. vehicle type and weight – can promote that New Zealand’s decile-based school transport funding transparency and If this data were to be shared with funding system would be replaced, accountability and address the increasing parents, they would then be empowered by 2021, by a funding formula tied to traffic congestion woes in New Zealand.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 15 Road pricing enhances the mobility of Real action, not the real impact of forgoing international commerce and community. It means empty words: How cooperation on the environment. higher productivity growth (i.e. higher to make the Zero Our report proposed three simple wages and lower living costs): faster, Carbon Bill about amendments to the Zero Carbon Bill safer and more reliable road trips, cutting emissions that will give priority to emissions appropriate incentives for public Matt Burgess reduction and neutralise the Bill’s transport and active travel modes, constitutional risk: and lower carbon emissions. New Zealand could be a leader in global emissions reduction. We could lower 1. Require effective action by In return, the public should expect the global emissions by far more than we introducing an overarching objective government to commit to a revenue- contribute. We could achieve net zero for both the Minister and the neutral system – whereby every net emissions sooner than 2050. We must Commission that requires exercising dollar raised through congestion charges simply be prepared to do what works their powers for “effective and would be offset by, say, a dollar less by partnering with or funding the best efficient” emissions reductions and through property rate collection or sources of emissions reduction and removals. lower fuel prices. removals wherever they are in the world. 2. Remove section 5W to eliminate Congestion pricing is not a new concept, the domestic preference, allowing But New Zealand is about close the door with close to 100 years of academic emissions reduction through the most on global leadership. research and plenty of international case effective combination of domestic and studies validating it. In New Zealand, Emissions must be reduced domestically offshore mitigation. politicians across the spectrum are “as far as possible,” says the Bill, 3. Remove sections 5ZD–5ZF to in favour of congestion charges, and regardless of how many more tonnes eliminate the requirement that the both the Tax Working Group and the of greenhouse gases could be avoided Minister for Climate Change plan Productivity Commission have proposed offshore. Such parochialism has emissions reduction. The Commission congestion charges as an efficient consequences: $300 billion potentially and the Minister will be free to way to modify behaviour and improve added to the cost of reducing emissions prepare plans, and give effect to them environmental quality. to net zero; national income as much by way of Acts of Parliament, the as 6 percent lower in 2050; a drastic appropriate level of scrutiny for such A brave new world awaits us – but reduction in New Zealand’s ability to far-reaching powers. only if we transport ourselves in the influence global emissions; and the right direction. These three amendments can make the near-certain failure to achieve our Zero Carbon Bill about cutting emissions, emissions targets. In short, higher and increase New Zealand’s contribution emissions and a material fall in living to global emissions reduction by a standards. Whatever the moral case for factor of 20. Without them, the Zero reducing emissions on this side of the Carbon Bill will be a costly but ineffective border, it should be weighed against

16 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE exercise. It will amount to little more • Just over half of adult New Zealanders Submissions than empty words. know that the earth takes a year to In 2019, the Initiative made submissions to: circle the sun. • Fewer than a third of adult • The Independent Expert Advisory New Zealanders know the year the Panel on Phase 2 of the Reserve Ignorance is Treaty of Waitangi was signed. Bank of New Zealand Act Review not bliss: Why • The New Zealand Productivity knowledge matters The survey also exposed significant Commission on their Local (and why we may not gaps in basic mathematical, medical Government Funding and Financing have enough of it) and scientific knowledge. This has Issues Paper Briar Lipson implications for our political debates. • The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Although information is readily While there may be disagreement on The Review of the Capital available nowadays, our basic about the relevance of some of the Adequacy Framework for locally knowledge of subjects like geography, survey questions, we hope there incorporated banks: How much history, and maths is low, according to is a consensus that to participate capital is enough? Ignorance is not bliss. meaningfully in society, some basic • The Environment Committee on knowledge of the world is required, To get a glimpse of the state of general the Climate Change Response said Briar Lipson. knowledge in New Zealand, the Initiative (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill commissioned a representative survey A subsequent research report, to be (one written submission and one of 1,000 voting-age New Zealanders. released in 2020, will further explore oral submission to the Environment Respondents were asked 13 general whether New Zealand’s curriculum is Select Committee) knowledge questions. The results provide fit for purpose. • The Minister of Finance, the Minister a snapshot of Kiwis’ general knowledge, of Revenue, and the Inland Revenue and some of the results were surprising. Department on the ‘Options Though it is encouraging that 85 percent for taxing the digital economy’ know New Zealand was the first country discussion document to give women the vote, and 90 percent • The Independent Expert Advisory that Winston Churchill was a real, not Panel on the second round of fictional, character, there are serious gaps consultation on Phase 2 of the in what Kiwis know: Reserve Bank of New Zealand • Three in ten adult New Zealanders Act Review do not know that dinosaurs had • The Ministry of Business, Innovation already died out before the first and Employment (MBIE) on humans appeared. Designing a Fair Pay Agreements System Discussion Paper

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 17 OUR ENGAGEMENT

18 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Engagement with members

We held five members’ meetings and hosted several other high-level speakers in 2019. These meetings provided members the opportunity to hear from and engage with politicians, industry experts and international speakers on a wide range of topics.

In 2019, we hosted the following guest speakers:

Mark Hauptmann Barbara Oakley Adrian Orr Hon. Phil Twyford German MP for the Christian Professor of Engineering at Governor of the Reserve Bank Minister of Infrastructure and Democratic Union (CDU) Oakland University in Michigan of New Zealand Economic Development

Jonathan Haidt Hon. Grant Robertson Kirk Hope US psychologist and author Minister of Finance BusinessNZ CEO

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 19 20 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Events

Localism Symposium (February)

On 28 February, we hosted a Localism decisions. “Start with what you’ve got, and LGNZ. Once finalised, the paper was Symposium alongside Local Government harness that community energy before you presented at LGNZ’s annual conference New Zealand (LGNZ). look outside for solutions.” in July. This paper discussed how localism could work in practice in New Zealand. The symposium was attended by more Attendees heard from panelists Fraser than 130 delegates, who heard from Whineray (Mercury Chief Executive), The symposium was the perfect place for local government, business and private Arapeta Tahana (Bay of Plenty Regional Dr Oliver Hartwich to launch #localismNZ: sector leaders about how much better Councillor), Fran O’Sullivan (Journalist), Bringing power to the people. Written in New Zealand’s government could be by Kirk Hope (BusinessNZ Chief Executive), an essay-style, #localismNZ discusses a adopting localism. and (Economist) as they localism where more public policy decisions each shared their perspectives on localism. are made locally, and both local and central Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel spoke government have incentives to do what is about the importance of localism. She said Attendees were asked to review and provide good for the country. building resilience at the community level feedback on the draft discussion paper means trusting people to make their own on localism put together by the Initiative

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 21 Members’ Retreat (March)

Our seventh annual members’ retreat was dinner address. He provided his insights us to discuss planning reform and the new held at the Villa Maria Estate in Auckland on politics in the age of disruption and infrastructure finance models. on 21–22 March and attended by around 70 answered questions from an audience The members also heard about the slightly of our members. of around 120 guests. The following day, different perspective on the current state Harper was joined by New Zealand’s former This year’s retreat had a strong focus on of New Zealand politics from two former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Sir Bill English for both national and international politics, with Chiefs of Staffs GJ( Thompson and a more informal conversation about their an impressive line-up of speakers sharing Wayne Eagleson) who have worked with political careers and geopolitics. their views. three of our Prime Ministers. On the local front, attendees heard from From an international perspective, we were Three of the Initiative’s researchers spoke National’s Education Spokesperson joined by Tom Switzer, Executive Director about their work on education, freshwater Nikki Kaye on how our world-leading of the Centre for Independent Studies management and renewable energy. education research could be used to shape in Sydney, and Jacqueline Maley from Executive Director Dr Oliver Hartwich gave education policy in New Zealand. The Sydney Morning Herald. They shared an update on the Initiative and its research. their views on the approaching Australian Leader of the Opposition elections and gave their predictions. spoke to us about the National Party’s plans for the remainder of the parliamentary term, The Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper, Canadian and Housing Minister Phil Twyford joined Prime Minister (2006–15), gave the retreat

22 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 23 Tomorrow’s Schools Members’ Lunch with Adrian Orr, Reserve Bank panel discussion (April) Governor (May)

On 10 May we hosted a Members’ Lunch 40 members who attended the lunch to On 1 April, along with the Faculty with Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr hear from Adrian about his vision for the of Education at Victoria University at Forsyth Bar. Bank’s future role in the New Zealand of Wellington, we hosted a panel economy. discussion on the Tomorrow’s Schools Adrian has been the Governor of the Independent Taskforce review. Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) The Initiative has been making a lot of for a year now. This period coincides with noise about the dangers of the RBNZ’s During the panel discussion, chaired some of the most significant reforms to proposed new capital requirements, by Research Fellow Briar Lipson and the RBNZ in decades. With this much and naturally these issues were Victoria University’s Associate Dean change happening at the RBNZ, it discussed in depth at the lunch. (Economic) in the School of Education, was the perfect time for the more than Dr Michael Johnston, we explored some of the assumptions on which the taskforce has based its findings and some possible consequences of its recommendations – intended and otherwise.

The panelists included: • Gregor Fountain, Principal of Wellington College • Gary Hawke, retired Head of the School of Government and Professor of Economic History at Victoria University • Professor John O’Neil, Taskforce member and Head of the Institute of Education at Massey University • Neil Paviour-Smith, Board Chair of Wadestown School and Chancellor of Victoria University • Michele Whiting, Principal of Corinna School, Porirua

24 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Public Lecture with Professor Barbara Oakley (May)

We hosted Dr Barbara Oakley on 1 May at ingredients of effective learning. They include methods are geared towards hard-wiring the University of Auckland. More than 200 finding the right balance between focused new knowledge in the brain. people came to hear Barbara, a Professor learning and time to digest new information. Like every good teacher, she knows how of Engineering at Oakland University in She recommends delivering knowledge to convey her message in an engaging and Michigan, talk about her own inspiring in bite-size pieces instead of encouraging even entertaining way. It is not often that life , the science of learning, and her “binge-learning”. She stresses the a professor of engineering captivates and extraordinary success with the online course importance of practice and rehearsal. mesmerises a large audience, but she did Learning how to learn: Powerful mental tools From a neuroscientific perspective, the just that in Auckland. to help you master tough subjects, which has challenge for learners is to ensure new helped more than 2 million people worldwide. Before our event, Barbara spoke to Duncan information gets stored permanently in Garner on The AM Show about the science Using science and her experience as a the brain. There is little point to learning of learning. learner and teacher, Barbara has distilled the things only to forget them quickly. Barbara’s

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 25 Denmark delegation (June) Members’ Lunch with Hon. Phil Twyford After more than 12 months of planning, Chamber of Commerce, the Centre for our Discover Denmark business Political Studies, LEGO, Maersk, and (July) delegation were thrilled to depart for Carlsberg. Host industries included a Copenhagen. During the week, 37 of our technology and robotics cluster. One We held a Members’ lunch at Bell members and the Initiative’s leadership day was focused entirely on Denmark’s Gully on 15 July with Hon. Phil team got a first-hand look at what makes renewable energy successes with visits Twyford. The Minister spoke to Denmark one of the most successful small to the Middelgrunden offshore wind farm about 40 of our members and gave countries in the world. and the Amager Resource Center. an overview of the government’s development agenda. The delegates had the opportunity to meet and engage with local politicians, top business leaders, and officials across many industries to gain an understanding of what drives the country’s success, to understand its weaknesses, and to see how their challenges were overcome.

Some of the organisations who hosted the delegation were the Danish

26 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE Members’ Lunch with Hon. Grant Robertson (October)

The Initiative, and our member NZX, hosted Finance Minister Grant Robertson in Wellington. He spoke Jonathan Haidt (August) to around 40 of our members about Labour’s policy agenda We were delighted to support renowned grim reality of politics in the US, saying and the party’s plans ahead of the US psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt’s visit the polarisation between the Republicans 2020 election. to New Zealand in August. and the Democrats has reached such levels that the two groups can barely talk Both Foreign Policy and Prospectus to each other anymore. Magazine have listed Haidt among their World’s Top 100 public intellectuals. Haidt Referring to the research in The rose to fame with his book The Righteous Coddling of the American Mind, Haidt Mind: Why Good People are Divided said Americans have forgotten how on Politics and Religion. In its review, to deal with conflict and how to value The New York Times called the book “a constructive disagreement. Worse, the landmark contribution to humanity’s problem starts earlier than we might think. understanding of itself.” The Righteous Children are being bubble-wrapped by Mind has gained widespread praise from their helicopter parents, they can’t play Members’ Lunch with commentators left, right and centre. without supervision, and they don’t learn how to settle their differences with their Kirk Hope (November) Haidt has since published extensively peers. With the rise of social media and on threats to academic freedom and the university students demanding protection Our final members lunch of the year polarisation of political debate on campus. from uncomfortable views, Haidt warned was held on 15 November and consisted His latest book (with Greg Lukianoff) is us about the psychological harm to the of a conversation between BusinessNZ The Coddling of the American Mind: How generation growing up like this, not CEO Kirk Hope and the Initiative’s Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting to mention evidence of the alarming Dr Oliver Hartwich. The pair, interviewed Up a Generation for Failure. increase in mental health issues among by journalist Fran O’Sullivan, discussed the At his lunchtime lecture in Wellington, young Americans. state of politics, our economy, and the 2020 hosted by the NZX, Haidt discussed the election in front of 40 of our members.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 27 Media

In 2019, our team produced more research than any of the previous seven years. As the organisation, and our research team, became more widely known, and our research striking a chord with more people, we enjoyed many opportunities to discuss and debate the big policy issues across the media spectrum.

A change in the format of our research Along with our researchers appearing to attend his lectures, he spoke on Q+A, meant we were able to respond more regularly in print, on air and on our television The AM Show and The Project about his quickly to policy announcements screens, our two international speakers research and books, The Righteous Mind throughout the year. By introducing shorter were also popular with New Zealand’s and The Coddling of the American Mind. reports – in the form of research notes and media. Ahead of her lecture in Auckland to We didn’t slow down on our traditional policy points, we have been able to provide 200 people, Barbara Oakley, a Professor in-depth research either, with the team commentary on the day of, or in the day’s of Engineering from Oakland University in writing reports on localism, renewable following important announcements. For Michigan, spoke on The AM Show about the energy, freshwater management, Fair Pay example, we were able to comment on science of learning and the extraordinary Agreements, the night-time economy, KiwiBuild, Capital Gains Tax, Tomorrow’s success of her online course, Learning school performance, road pricing, and the Schools review, teachers’ strikes, the how to learn. Zero Carbon Bill. response from the Interim Climate Change In August, we supported renowned Committee, vocational education, the We enjoyed the opportunity to launch two American psychologist Jonathan Haidt’s Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s monetary of our education reports on popular current visit to New Zealand. He spoke at events in policy, the school decile debate, and affairs shows. In Fairness to our Schools Auckland and Wellington; for those unable New Zealand’s knowledge problem. (school performance vs. family background)

28 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE on Newshub Nation and Ignorance is not and share their research on key policy mentions in Danish newspapers when our Bliss (New Zealand’s general knowledge issues and opinions on topical news delegation visited the country in June. skills) on Q+A, both started robust debates stories. Opinion pieces were also published Our social media following has continued with the public and within the education regularly in The New Zealand Herald, to grow throughout the year and continues sector. This was the aim of these reports, on The Spinoff, and in various industry to be another platform to share the research and we’ll be releasing more research on publications – especially in the education we are undertaking and what we are these topics in 2020 that we believe will and transport sectors. saying in the media. Our Twitter, Facebook, further the debates, and ultimately result Our media reach also extended LinkedIn and You Tube followers grow each in policy change and better education internationally, with Dr Oliver Hartwich month, and we believe these platforms are in New Zealand. writing for Swiss news magazine, Die another important engagement tool we can With weekly columns in Newsroom Weltwoche, and speaking on Australian- use to increase our visibility and explain and The National Business Review, and based news programmes about how our research and recommendations Dr Eric Crampton’s fortnightly column New Zealand politics, announcements are helping create a more prosperous in The Dominion Post, the team have been made by our Treasury and the Reserve New Zealand for all New Zealanders. able to reach a wide-ranging audience Bank, and Brexit. The Initiative had several

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 29 JAN FEB

14 JANUARY 24 JANUARY 15 FEBRUARY Briar Lipson’s opinion piece in Dr Eric Crampton’s opinion piece Dr Bryce Wilkinson and The New Zealand Herald said it is in The Dominion Post corrected Dr Patrick Carvalho prepared

time for trustees, teachers parents Oxfam’s misleading figures on a submission to the New Zealand and grandparents to speak up global wealth inequality, saying that Productivity Commission on about the recommendations from contrary to Oxfam’s report, both rich its Local Government Funding the Tomorrow’s Schools taskforce and poor became less wealthy in and Financing inquiry. – before it is too late. New Zealand last year. 19 FEBRUARY 21 JANUARY 25 JANUARY Dr Oliver Hartwich participated In an interview on Newstalk ZB, Roger Partridge and Dr Bryce in the “Post Brexit – New Trading Dr Oliver Hartwich commented on Wilkinson prepared a submission opportunities in the EU” panel Jacinda Ardern’s meeting with her to the Independent Expert Advisory discussion hosted by the German- British counterpart, Prime Minster Panel on Phase 2 of the Reserve New Zealand Chamber of Commerce. Theresa May, in London and said it Bank of New Zealand Act Review. is an important chance to discuss our post-Brexit trading relationship.

22 JANUARY We released our first research note on KiwiBuild. Dr Bryce Wilkinson found that KiwiBuild is a massive 21 FEBRUARY HIGHLIGHTS distraction from what is really The Tax Working Group’s final report OF OUR YEAR needed – direct action to reduce was released. To coincide with this, land values and construction costs. we released our first Policy Point, The The report was covered on Newstalk 28 JANUARY Pitfalls of CGT. Dr Patrick Carvalho ZB, Radio NZ, Stuff, The New At a Rotary lunch event in argued that this headline rate would Zealand Herald, and TVNZ Breakfast. Wellington, Jenesa Jeram spoke on push New Zealand to the top of the The ACT Party also supported the the findings from her research on international CGT rankings among report with a press release. New Zealand Superannuation. industrialised economies.

30 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE MAR

22 FEBRUARY 28 FEBRUARY 4 MARCH 21–22 MARCH Dr Patrick Carvalho discussed The Initiative hosted a localism Dr Bryce Wilkinson’s column, We held our seventh Members’ the Tax Working Group’s report symposium alongside Local “The mixed success of New retreat at the Villa Maria Estate in proposals on a capital gains tax in Government New Zealand. Zealand’s economic liberalisation”, Auckland and were joined by 70 of an interview with Peter Williams on 130 attendees heard from local was published in the Institute of our members. Former Prime Minister Magic Talk. government, business and private Economic Affairs (IEA) journal. of Canada Rt. Hon. Stephen Harper sector leaders about the benefits of (2006–15) was our dinner speaker, 27 FEBRUARY a more devolved society. Dr Oliver 12 MARCH with 120 members and business Dr Eric Crampton talked to Hartwich also launched our report Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke on leaders listening to his views on Newstalk ZB about the rise of ticket #localismNZ: Bringing power to the Newstalk ZB about Brexit, following politics in the age of disruption. scalping and shared his advice for people. He spoke about the report UK Prime Minister Theresa May’s those looking for tickets on the on Newstalk ZB, and the report was meeting with the European resale market. covered in The New Zealand Herald, Commission President Jean- Newsroom and on Māori Television. Claude Juncker. 28 FEBRUARY In an opinion piece published in 18 MARCH The Dominion Post, The Press We released a special Insights 28 MARCH and on Stuff, Joel Hernandez Extra newsletter to acknowledge We launched our report, said school deciles are a blunt the Christchurch terror attack. Switched On! Achieving a green, instrument for school choice. Dr Oliver Hartwich said Prime affordable and reliable energy future. Minister Jacinda Ardern beautifully captured why this was an attack Matt Burgess found that New on all New Zealand in just three Zealand is well placed to achieve words, “They are us”. 100 percent electricity generation using renewable sources by 2035 20 MARCH but warned that we must learn Following the devastating massacre from costly international policy in Christchurch, Dr Eric Crampton’s failures. Matt discussed his report opinion piece in The New Zealand on Newstalk ZB and in The National Herald said when every fibre Business Review. screams revenge, turn to aroha.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 31 APR

1 APRIL 8 APRIL 15 APRIL 18 APRIL We hosted a Tomorrow’s We released a research note on The Initiative hosted a small lunch The Dominion Post published Schools panel discussion on the the Tomorrow’s Schools review, with Mark Hauptmann, a German Joel Hernandez’ opinion piece consequences of the Independent Tomorrow’s Schools: Data and MP, for several Wellington-based about the problems with the 2018 Taskforce’s recommendations. Evidence. Joel Hernandez outlined members and media. He shared his Census. He argued that good The panel consisted of school our comprehensive, year-long data views on international trade and evidence-based policy depends principals, a Board of Trustee analysis of 400,000 students that German politics. on reliable and robust data. Having member, and academics. The revealed no significant differences failed to count more than 700,000 event was co-chaired by Research in school performance between individuals, the 2018 Census Fellow Briar Lipson and Victoria schools of different deciles. The failed all New Zealanders. University’s Dr Michael Johnston. media coverage was extensive with the report discussed on The AM Show, Breakfast, Q+A, Newstalk ZB, Newshub, and Radio New Zealand, and supported by a press release by Education Spokesperson Hon. Nikki Kaye. 18 APRIL In an opinion article on The Spinoff, 8 APRIL Dr Eric Crampton wrote about how Ahead of her public lecture in an OIA laid bare the pork barrel Auckland on 1 May, Professor shambles that is Shane Jones’ Barbara Oakley spoke on Radio Provincial Growth Fund. New Zealand saying when children and teenagers understand how they learn, “we can blow open their 30 APRIL sense of possibility.” Dr Eric Crampton shared on 9 APRIL the Radio New Zealand Nights Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke at an his thoughts on the government’s event run by Presbyterian Support recent decision not to pursue Northern, and discussed our a capital gains tax. education research and the current political landscape.

32 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE MAY 1 MAY 6 MAY 13 MAY 24 MAY We hosted a public lecture with Dr Eric Crampton discussed We welcomed Education Minister Victoria University of Wellington’s Professor Barbara Oakley, co- the cannabis referendum, and Chris Hipkins’ NCEA Change Policy Quarterly published Dr Oliver creator of the world’s most popular legalisation, with Mike Yardley Package in a media release, Hartwich’s essay, From Localism online course: Learning how to learn, on Newstalk ZB. as it mirrored many of the Towards Localism: A personal at the University of Auckland. She recommendations in Briar Lipson’s journey of policy discovery. discussed the science behind how 7 MAY 2018 report, Spoiled by Choice: we learn, and how we can apply We released the first of two How NCEA hampers education, this research in the classroom to an reports on New Zealand’s freshwater and what it needs to succeed, for engaged audience of 200 people. management. In Refreshing example, strengthening literacy Water: Valuing the priceless, and numeracy requirements. Dr Eric Crampton proposed a cap-and-trade system for managing water allocations. The report was covered by Newstalk ZB, Radio New 28 MAY Zealand, Newshub, Ngati Porou A day before the mega teachers’ radio, and Farmers Weekly. Three strike, Dr Eric Crampton proposed expert commentators shared their a potential solution in his policy 1 MAY supportive views on the report in the point, Biting education bullets. Matt Burgess discussed on Science Media Centre’s e-newsletter. Breakfast the government’s 29 MAY 100 percent renewables policy as 16 MAY Roger Partridge argued in The we waited for the Interim Climate Roger Partridge made a Australian Financial Review that Change Committee’s (ICCC) submission to the Reserve Bank the Reserve Bank of New Zealand report to be released. of New Zealand on The Review of is a monetary policy setter and the Capital Adequacy Framework prudential regulator whose governor 3 MAY for locally incorporated banks: How doesn’t answer to its board. Professor Barbara Oakley much capital is enough? contributed a column to our Insights 31 MAY newsletter. In Keys, Please! Opening 20 MAY In an opinion piece published in the door to New Zealand’s future, 10 MAY Dr Oliver Hartwich wrote about The Dominion Post, The Press, she wrote about the enormous We hosted Adrian Orr, Governor the Australian election in an and on Stuff, Dr Eric Crampton advances that have been made to of the Reserve Bank, for a Members’ opinion article for Swiss magazine wrote about Budget 2019 and the help people avoid frustration and Lunch in Auckland, with more than Die Weltwoche. importance of evaluating outcomes. learn more efficiently. 40 members attending.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 33 JUN

4 JUNE 7 JUNE 12 JUNE 23–29 JUNE The New Zealand Herald published In an opinion piece for The Spinoff, Dr Oliver Hartwich participated in Three dozen of our members, and Briar Lipson’s opinion article Dr Eric Crampton wrote that a Brexit panel discussion at an event the Initiative’s leadership team, where she emphasised that school Treasury needed a recovery, and a hosted by PwC. The panel share embarked on a business delegation performance data is the key to rebuild. He said the job facing the their thoughts on what the next to Denmark to get a first-hand look collaboration as the Education incoming Chief Executive will be steps might be, the implications and at what makes it one of the world’s Minister progresses the Tomorrow’s exceptionally challenging, which how it could affect trade between most successful small countries. Schools Review. is why it is so important to get the New Zealand, Europe and the UK. The delegation met with a wide appointment right. range of Danish companies and their leaders, including LEGO, Carlsberg and Maersk. They learned about Denmark’s renewable energy generation and visited one of Europe’s leading robotics clusters. 13 JUNE 5 JUNE We announced the appointment Dr Patrick Carvalho wrote a column 11 JUNE of Barbara Chapman CNZM to on road pricing in New Zealand New Zealand attracted global Deputy Chair of the Initiative’s for The Chartered Institute of attention after unveiling a “world- Board of Directors. Logistics and Transport magazine. first” wellbeing budget based on He said if appropriately done, road priorities such as mental health and charges based on distance, time child poverty instead of the usual and location are an effective tool growth and jobs. In an interview to improve the lives of commuters, on Australia’s ABC Business News, and the productivity of the economy. Dr Oliver Hartwich discussed What we need now is the political how New Zealand’s Treasury and will and courage to implement Reserve Bank can implement such these changes. a budget. 19 JUNE Matt Burgess presented the findings from his report on the government’s proposed 100 percent renewable energy policy at an event run by the Energy Retailers’ Association.

34 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE JUL 4 JULY 9 JULY 15 JULY 22 JULY In a media release, we congratulated We released Work in Progress: In an interview on Newstalk ZB, As a regular commentator on the Productivity Commission’s draft Why Fair Pay Agreements would Dr Eric Crampton discussed the Radio New Zealand Nights, report on local government funding be bad for labour. Co-authored by obstacles facing owners of heritage- Dr Eric Crampton discussed the and financing inquiry. We agreed Roger Partridge and Dr Bryce listed buildings and the need to Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) with the Commission’s conclusions Wilkinson, the report outlined how help them. database and how it might be best that new funding mechanisms are evidence and academic literature used to inform government policy. needed to help local authorities fund suggest FPAs would be likely to 16 JULY growth-related infrastructure and harm productivity and would be In a media release, we welcomed 22 JULY additional responsibilities imposed contrary to the interests of workers, the government’s decision to Joel Hernandez wrote an on them by central government. the unemployed, consumers, shift focus away from 100 percent opinion piece for EducationCentral and overall wellbeing. renewable electricity to other on school choice and the National 5 JULY more effective and less expensive Education Plan (NEGP) following Joel Hernandez presented his emissions policies. the announcement that in the research from Separating school next ten years, 100,000 more from family: Evaluating the effects 16 JULY children are expected to enrol of school and family background Matt Burgess made a submission in New Zealand schools. on student performance at the to the Environment Committee on New Zealand Association of the Climate Change (Zero Carbon) 23 JULY Economists conference. Amendment Bill. In an opinion piece for Stuff, Dr Eric Crampton wrote that 15 JULY unaffordable housing is holding Minister for Economic Development 18 JULY New Zealand back. and Urban Development and Dr Eric Crampton made a Transport Hon. Phil Twyford submission to the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Revenue, 25 JULY attended a Members’ Lunch in We released our research note, Wellington, hosted by Bell Gully. and the Inland Revenue Department on the “Options for taxing the digital When the facts change: How the He discussed the government’s ICCC saved New Zealand from 7 JULY development agenda to 40 of economy” discussion document. a policy disaster. Matt Burgess Local Government New Zealand our members. explained why he applauds the (LGNZ) released their localism government’s decision to follow discussion paper at their annual the ICCC’s advice to put the 100 conference. In a supportive media percent renewables policy on ice release, we highlighted our localism and prioritise other more effective research, such as the 2015 report, emissions policies. In the Zone, that outlined ways of letting local government take up greater responsibility where building in both accountability and appropriate incentives. THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 35 AUG 1 AUGUST 9 AUGUST 13 AUGUST 20 AUGUST The Initiative supported US After the Reserve Bank dropped Dr Eric Crampton discussed where We launched Living after Midnight: psychologist Dr Jonathan Haidt’s the official cash rate to 1 percent, and how we need to raise the quality For a better night-time environment. visit to New Zealand. His public Dr Oliver Hartwich discussed what of our economic advice to policy The report outlined New Zealand’s lecture, “Moral Psychology in an this meant, and how it would affect decision-makers at a Government current antiquated way of Age of Outrage”, in Auckland was people’s savings, home loans, and Economic Network (GEN) event. regulating nightlife, and highlighted attended by more than 600 people. credit card debt in an interview on international examples where cities Newstalk ZB. have come up with successful ways to enable a thriving and safe 12 AUGUST nightlife. The report generated As headlines about negative interest extensive media coverage in print rates dominated the news, Dr Oliver and on radio and TV. Hartwich appeared on Breakfast to explain what negative interest rates 16 AUGUST are, and what they could mean for Roger Partridge and New Zealand’s economy. 2 AUGUST Dr Bryce Wilkinson made a At a members’ event in Wellington, second submission on Phase 2 of Dr Jonathan Haidt spoke to 80 the Reserve Bank of New Zealand of the Initiative’s members and Act Review. invited guests about the grim reality of politics in the US, the value of 16 AUGUST constructive disagreement, and Natanael Rother outlined his research from his latest book, upcoming research note on dual The Coddling of the American Mind. 13 AUGUST education in a column for The We released The Unreserved Bank National Business Review. He said it of New Zealand: Why unorthodox was laudable the government had monetary policy needs boundaries. put reforming our underachieving Co-authored by Dr Oliver vocational sector on their Hartwich, Dr Eric Crampton agenda, but issues still needed and macroeconomics Professor to be addressed. Robert MacCulloch, the research 20 AUGUST note argued that with the Reserve In a media release, we praised Bank signalling its preparation for the government’s announcement 9 AUGUST unconventional monetary policies, of an Independent Parliamentary In an opinion piece on Stuff, such as negative interest rates, such Budget Office. It mirrored a Dr Eric Crampton argued if we a move required urgent clarification recommendation we first made make vaping regulation too strict, of the Remit given to the RBNZ’s in our 2014 report, Guarding it will be easier to just keep smoking. Monetary Policy Committee. the Public Purse: Faster growth, greater fiscal discipline.

36 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE SEP 21 AUGUST 23 AUGUST 29 AUGUST 5 SEPTEMBER Dr Oliver Hartwich presented at Dr Oliver Hartwich met with We released Hands-on: New A member of The Heritage the Infrastructure New Zealand German MP Ulrich Lechte, a suggestions to reform the vocational Foundation, based in Washington, “Building Nations” conference on member of the Free Democrat sector in New Zealand in response D.C., visited our office to meet localism and housing. Party (FDP). The pair discussed to the government’s announcement Dr Eric Crampton and Dr Patrick New Zealand’s political system to reform our vocational education Carvalho and discuss our work. and the state of global trade. sector. Natanael Rother said Eric recorded a podcast on our 2017 while the goal is laudable, there essay, The Outside of the Asylum: are still concerns that need to A New Zealander’s guide to the be addressed. world out there for their listeners.

11 SEPTEMBER Dr Eric Crampton spoke on 22 AUGUST Newstalk ZB about New Zealand’s Following the announcement of education spend, following a report a Parliamentary Budget Office 27 AUGUST finding that New Zealand spends (PBO), Dr Eric Crampton wrote on An Australian Political Exchange 5.5% of our national income on The Spinoff that the PBO should Group visiting New Zealand met schooling the seventh highest be just the beginning. While the with Dr Oliver Hartwich to discuss in the OECD. proposal was good, major work is the political, social, economic 29–30 AUGUST still required to ensure the office is and cultural systems of our Dr Oliver Hartwich attended The 13 SEPTEMBER a success and achieves as much two countries. Centre for Independent Studies Dr Oliver Hartwich chaired good as it can. (CIS) annual Consilium in Australia. a session at the Australia 29 AUGUST He presented on localism, housing New Zealand Leadership Forum 23 AUGUST Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke on affordability, and Brexit. (ANZLF) on trans-Tasman In his fortnightly Stuff column, Newstalk ZB about Brexit following economics. Dr Eric Crampton continued to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s remind readers about the problems plan to close parliament. 17 SEPTEMBER with BERL’s decade-old measure On a panel interview for Radio of alcohol’s social cost. New Zealand, Dr Eric Crampton discussed a Universal Basic Income (UBI) and whether it would work in 30 AUGUST New Zealand. Matt Burgess spoke to his submission on the Climate Change (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill in front of the Environment Select Committee.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 37 OCT 18 SEPTEMBER 23 SEPTEMBER 1 OCTOBER 7 OCTOBER Dr Eric Crampton was invited to Dr Eric Crampton discussed the Joel Hernandez’ report, In Fairness We held a Members’ Lunch with speak at Water New Zealand’s findings from our education report, to our Schools: Better measures for Finance Minister Grant Robertson. annual conference in Hamilton. In Fairness to our Schools, on TVNZ better outcomes, was highlighted in The Minister spoke to around 40 of He discussed his report Refreshing Breakfast and informed viewers the October issue of the STA News our members about Labour’s policy Water: Valuing the priceless about how we have used the magazine, which goes to school agenda and the party’s plans ahead (May 2019) and his forthcoming country’s largest research database trustees throughout New Zealand. of the 2020 election. report on nutrient management. to fairly and objectively compare low- and high-decile schools something that has never been done in New Zealand before.

7 OCTOBER Joel Hernandez presented the 4 OCTOBER findings from his report, In Fairness 21 SEPTEMBER In his column for Stuff, to our Schools: Better measures for We launched a new report, In 25 SEPTEMBER Dr Eric Crampton wrote about better outcomes, at a Government Fairness to our Schools: Better When the government announced how a construction company tried Economics Network (GEN) session measures for better outcomes, that New Zealand’s decile-based to silence Whenuapai Air Base. in Wellington. with an exclusive interview by funding system would be replaced by Dr Oliver Hartwich on Newshub a funding formula tied to student risk Nation. Oliver explained how factors, Dr Eric Crampton published our school performance tool a research note, Seeing the problem, could provide fair and objective but missing the point: Decile information to every secondary dilemmas. He said the government school on their individual had identified two real problems but performance to make education in missed a substantial opportunity for 11 OCTOBER New Zealand fairer for all students. more effective reform. 4 OCTOBER Dr Eric Crampton spoke to Newstalk The New Zealand Herald published ZB about the Provincial Growth Fund Joel Hernandez’ column on the and the $50 million that has been better ways to measure school spent on feasibility studies. performance. The column showed findings from his report, In Fairness to our Schools, and explained how there are high-performing schools across all ten deciles.

38 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE NOV 16 OCTOBER 23 OCTOBER 5 NOVEMBER 8 NOVEMBER Dr Patrick Carvalho’s opinion piece Kim Campbell, former EMA CEO, We released The Price is Right: In The New Zealand Herald, on Facebook’s Libra and the new interviewed Dr Oliver Hartwich for The road to a better transport system Dr Patrick Carvalho discussed currency wars was published on his “Business at the speed of coffee” by Dr Patrick Carvalho. The report how chronic road congestion is The New Zealand Herald. show. Oliver discussed why the work made the case for road pricing taking a toll on the mobility of of the Initiative is so important and and explained how it can promote goods, services and people in our highlighted some of the challenges transport funding transparency and urban centres, and costing us more we face. He also provided insights accountability, while addressing the than a billion dollars every year in into his upbringing in Germany, and increasing traffic congestion on our wasted hours idling in traffic. his career path that brought him to roads. Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke Wellington and to the Initiative. about the report on The AM Show while Patrick spoke on NBR Radio 24 OCTOBER and Newstalk ZB. Dr Oliver Hartwich met a group of students from Nelson College and discussed the importance of our 9 NOVEMBER work as a think tank, New Zealand We released a special Insights 16 OCTOBER politics, and our economy. At the Financial Services Federation Extra newsletter where Dr conference, Dr Oliver Hartwich 25 OCTOBER Oliver Hartwich marked the 30th anniversary of the fall of the presented on economic policy in On Stuff, Dr Eric Crampton unsettling times. highlighted our upcoming report Berlin Wall, saying it remains the on energy with a column on how most important historical event 22 OCTOBER of his lifetime. He followed this the Government’s Zero Carbon Bill 6 NOVEMBER The Initiative and Mercury hosted up with a column in Newsroom will shut the door on New Zealand We released Real action, not a reunion dinner for our members discussing idealism and the need opportunities. empty words: How to make the who travelled to Denmark in June. for historical knowledge. Zero Carbon Bill about cutting The group discussed what they took emissions. Matt Burgess highlighted away from the trip and the drafted how New Zealand could be a leader paper from Dr Oliver Hartwich on in global emissions reduction, but the overall learnings. the government is about to shut the door on global leadership. Matt spoke to Newstalk ZB and on NBR Radio.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 39 11 NOVEMBER 18 NOVEMBER 19 NOVEMBER 25 NOVEMBER In a column for The Dominion Post, We released our research note, Following worrying comments Dr Eric Crampton wrote about Dr Eric Crampton wrote how Ignorance is not bliss: Why from the President of the New why gender diversity in the failing to get insurance prices right knowledge matters (and why Zealand Principals’ Federation about boardroom won’t always please causes problems. we may not have enough of it). knowledge in education, “For a child investors in his fortnightly column Briar Lipson explained the results in Bluff who might be interested in for The Dominion Post. 15 NOVEMBER of a survey we commissioned, that muttonbirds, they are not going to We held our final Members’ Lunch tested the current state of general be interested in the fact that there of the year with a conversation knowledge in New Zealand adults, are seven continents in the world…” between BusinessNZ CEO Kirk and discussed the need for a more we responded with a media release Hope and the Initiative’s Dr Oliver knowledge-rich curriculum in saying these comments perfectly Hartwich. The pair, interviewed by schools. Briar spoke on Q+A, The demonstrate the problem we want Fran O’Sullivan, discussed the state AM Show, Newstalk ZB and Radio to highlight. of politics, our economy, and the New Zealand. The research was 2020 election. covered in The New Zealand Herald, 19 NOVEMBER Stuff, The Spinoff and on Newshub. Dr Eric Crampton discussed the 26 NOVEMBER misery of a stifled housing market in Roger Partridge and Dr Bryce his column for Newsroom. He says Wilkinson made a submission to the government can pass whatever MBIE on their “Designing a Fair Pay legislation it likes regarding the Agreements System” discussion relationship between landlords and paper. We issued a media release tenants. Some of it might make about the submission saying the sense, but some of it might wind up Fair Pay proposals are too flawed to harming the people it is intended proceed. Roger spoke to Newstalk 18–20 NOVEMBER to help. ZB about why FPAs are not the way Joel Hernandez presented at to go in creating a highly skilled the New Zealand Association for 22 NOVEMBER and innovative workforce. Research in Education (NZARE) Dr Bryce Wilkinson and conference on his report, In Fairness Dr Eric Crampton’s opinion piece, 27 NOVEMBER to Schools, and how his school “It’s not in our national interest The New Zealand Herald published performance tool can, for the first to drive away investment from Roger Partridge’s opinion piece time in New Zealand, fairly and foreigners”, on Stuff addressed Trade addressing worrying comments objectively measure and compare Minister David Parker’s statements made by Education Minister low- and high-decile schools. about tightening up New Zealand’s Chris Hipkins and the President foreign investment regime and of the NZ Principals Federation, explains the cause for concern. Whetu Cormick, about our research note, Ignorance is not bliss: why knowledge matters.

40 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE DEC 2 DECEMBER 5 DECEMBER 10 DECEMBER 16 DECEMBER Dr Oliver Hartwich spoke at an In a media release, we called for Dr Patrick Carvalho spoke at the In our final Newsroom column event hosted by the China Chamber the Reserve Bank of New Zealand Intelligent Transport System (ITS) of 2019, Dr Eric Crampton said of Commerce in New Zealand to suspend its decision to increase members event about his research it is understandable that the (CCCNZ). At the event, attended banks’ capital and re-open the on road pricing and his report, multi-billion-dollar infrastructure by New Zealand and Chinese public consultation process to The Price is Right. announcement took up a lot business leaders, Oliver spoke about enable comment on the RBNZ’s of media coverage, but if we New Zealand’s economy and the assessment of the cost and benefits are looking at the longer-term 2020 election. of its proposal. effects of housing affordability, the Infrastructure Funding and 8 DECEMBER Financing Bill matters more. In a column for The Dominion Post, Dr Eric Crampton said addressing 18 DECEMBER climate change is important, We issued a media release although it isn’t a job for central commending the proposed changes banks but for carbon taxes or 12 DECEMBER to the Reserve Bank’s governance, emissions trading schemes. On Radio New Zealand’s The Panel, saying these changes will provide 3 DECEMBER Dr Eric Crampton spoke about much-needed improvements in Following the release of the 2018 the government’s announcement accountability and performance. OECD PISA data on educational of allocating $12 billion for performance around the world that infrastructure spending. shows New Zealand’s educational performance is continuing to slide, 13 DECEMBER we issued a media statement In our last Insights newsletter for saying we are selling our children 2019, Dr Oliver Hartwich discussed short when we fail to confront the the Initiative’s year of delivery. He myths that underpin our national highlighted how the Initiative’s curriculum and lofty “learner- research will continue to make the centered” ideals. case for reforms in 2020.

4 DECEMBER Briar Lipson spoke on Radio New Zealand’s The Panel to discuss the latest PISA results and what it shows about New Zealand’s educational performance.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 41 What others say about us

“Thank goodness for The New Zealand The New Zealand Initiative does remarkable work Initiative. I am grateful for the innovative in raising rational discourse and critical thinking. ideas, excellent research and the ensuing policy recommendations Its contribution is incredibly valuable for society, that help lead informed debate. The especially one which focuses on growth, development Initiative is building strong credibility with successive governments who are and prosperity. The provocation of ideas by the Initiative becoming more open to ideas. puts New Zealand on the map as a global thought The Initiative seeks to challenge the status leader and creates a breeding ground for important quo in the pursuit of better outcomes for future generations, with excellent research conversations to tremendously advance New Zealand linking to strong and clear policy options as a whole.” for government to consider. I have enjoyed engaging with Oliver and Suzi Jamil | Owner and Director, Think Inc. his team on sector-specific legislative submissions, where we have been able to influence legislation on the floor “The New Zealand Initiative continues to build a reputation for progressing policy that during the year. It is one thing to criticise, will benefit generations of young people. Its work to progress both the importance of but more powerful to offer solutions. knowledge and curriculum reform is very important and will generate a healthy debate. Simon Bennett | Chief Executive, The work that continues to develop around student achievement and data is crucial AWF Madison to ensuring we help more young people and resources get to the right places where we can lift the quality of teaching and learning. I see the Initiative as a leading light in education policy and challenging the status quo.”

Hon. Nikki Kaye | National Party MP for Auckland Central and Spokesperson for Education

42 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE The New Zealand Initiative “provides ASB with valuable policy insight to further help us support Kiwis build the financial future they want. We promote a productive, sustainable and inclusive New Zealand economy, and the Initiative’s national debates help inform positive changes for New Zealand.”

Vittoria Shortt Chief Executive, ASB

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 43 Our team

in 2016 and Denmark in 2019) for 40 of Dr Oliver Hartwich our members, consisting of CEOs and Dr Eric Crampton Executive Director Chairs of some of New Zealand’s top Chief Economist companies. During these delegations, the group met with top business leaders and Oliver is the Executive Director of The politicians in each country. Dr Eric Crampton is the Chief Economist New Zealand Initiative. Before joining the at The New Zealand Initiative. As well as Initiative he was a Research Fellow at The Chelsy holds a National Diploma in writing research reports, he is a regular Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, Business Administration. contributor in the media – particularly the Chief Economist at Policy Exchange in on Newsroom, The Dominion Post London, and an advisor in the UK House and Radio New Zealand Nights. He of Lords. Oliver holds a Master’s degree in Mangai Pitchai served as Lecturer and Senior Lecturer Economics and Business Administration Editor in Economics at the Department of and a Ph.D. in Law from Bochum Economics & Finance at the University University in Germany. of Canterbury from November 2003 Mangai Pitchai is the editor at The New until July 2014. He is also the creator Zealand Initiative. She has worked as an and author of the well-known blog Chelsy Blair editor and publications manager in think “Offsetting Behaviour”. Operations Director tanks for more than a decade, particularly at The Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney. Before that, she had worked in Chelsy Blair is the Operations Director legal publishing in Australia, journalism in Dr Bryce Wilkinson of The New Zealand Initiative. She California and India, and teaching in India. Senior Fellow works closely with the Board on Mangai has an M.Phil. in archaeology governance matters and is responsible for from India and she studied journalism Dr Bryce Wilkinson is a Senior Fellow at membership, human resources, and the in California. The New Zealand Initiative. Bryce is also Initiative’s finances. the Director of economics consultancy She project manages the Initiative’s Capital Economics. Prior to setting this events, including our annual members’ up in 1997, he was a Director of Credit retreat, and has organised two Suisse First Boston (now First NZ international delegations (Switzerland Capital). Before moving into investment

44 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE banking in 1985, he worked at the New Economics from the Australian National labour economics, and game theory. Zealand Treasury, reaching the position of University, where he also worked as a Before this, Joel completed a Bachelor Director. Bryce has a strong background Lecturer in macroeconomic policy. of Science degree from the University of in public policy analysis, including Otago, majoring in Microbiology. monetary policy, capital market research, and microeconomic advisory work. Briar Lipson Bryce holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Matt Burgess Research Fellow the University of Canterbury and was a Research Fellow Harkness Fellow at Harvard University. (May–October 2019)

Briar Lipson is a Research Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative, specialising Matt joined The New Zealand Initiative Dr Patrick Carvalho in education. Before joining the as a Research Fellow. He was previously Research Fellow Initiative, she was a Maths teacher Senior Economic Advisor to the Minister and Assistant Principal in London, of Finance, Chief Executive of iPredict, where she also co-founded the Floreat and a Senior Associate at consultants Dr Patrick Carvalho is a Research family of primary schools. Briar has Charles River Associates. Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative. worked for International Education Matt has a Master of Commerce degree He has worked as the Head of the consultancy CfBT, and the Westminster in Economics with first class honours Economic Studies Division at the think tank Policy Exchange. She holds from the University of Canterbury and Federation of Industries of Rio de a Master’s degree in Economics from a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Janeiro, producing research on fiscal and the University of Edinburgh. Economics and Mathematics. monetary matters, and as a Research Fellow at The Centre for Independent Studies in Sydney, where he focused Natanael Rother on industrial relations and competition Joel Hernandez Research Fellow policy. More recently, he was a Director at Policy Analyst (May–August 2019) a Washington, D.C. consultancy advising the US Federal Administration on the challenges of demographic shifts to Joel is a Policy analyst at The New Natanael Rother returned to The economic prosperity. Zealand Initiative focusing on education. New Zealand Initiative in mid-2019 as a Joel joined the Initiative after completing Dr Carvalho has a Bachelor of Law visiting Research Fellow. During his time his Master’s degree in Economics at from Rio de Janeiro’s State University, here, he completed research reports on Victoria University where his work a Master’s in Political Science from the vocational education and New Zealand’s focused on productivity, competition, University of Wollongong, and a Ph.D. in night-time economy.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 45 He hails from Switzerland and has Ali is a coordinator for Students for previously worked at think tank Avenir Luke Redward Liberty New Zealand, as well as a core Suisse, the European Policy Centre, a Research Intern member of the YES 2020 campaign – major Swiss bank, and the cantonal the campaign to get the 2020 cannabis administrations of Lucerne and Zug. referendum over the line. Luke Redward joined The New Zealand Natanael holds a Master’s degree in Initiative team as a Research Intern in She is working on a drug reform project Political Economics from the University late 2019. He is a law student at Victoria for The New Zealand Initiative, alongside of Lucerne. University of Wellington in his fourth year Dr Eric Crampton, looking at the failure of study. Previously, he worked in the of prohibition and the societal benefits office of the Shadow Attorney-General of reform. doing policy research on legal and Māori Toby Fitzsimmons related issues. Luke’s areas of interest are Research Assistant constitutional reform, Māori affairs, and (July–September 2019) Simone White LGBTQI+ advocacy. Communications Officer Toby Fitzsimmons was a Research Luke is working on a research Assistant at The New Zealand Initiative in paper alongside Dr Oliver Hartwich 2019, focusing primarily on our road pricing investigating the democratic systems Simone White is a Communications research. He joined us from the UK, where of New Zealand. Officer at The New Zealand Initiative he is completing an undergraduate degree and the main contact for media queries. in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at She writes media releases and manages the University of Durham. the Initiative’s social media channels. Ali Gammeter Simone also engages with the Initiative’s Prior to joining the Initiative, Toby had Research Intern members, collates our Annual Report completed educational programmes at and member updates, and works with the the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA) leadership team as they scope, write and in London and the American Enterprise Ali Gammeter joined The New Zealand publish research reports. She engages Institute in Washington, D.C. Initiative team as a Research Intern in late with the media to facilitate opportunities 2019. She is undertaking a Psychology for the team to discuss their research and Criminology double-major at Victoria across a variety of channels: TV, print University of Wellington, and recently and radio. spoke in Parliament as a Youth MP about Simone has worked in communications the importance of upholding the right to at The Royal Australasian College of freedom of speech. Physicians and New Zealand Post.

46 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Helene Luey Our board Media Studies and Classical History from Office Administrator & Victoria University of Wellington. Event Coordinator Roger Partridge Chairman, The New Zealand Initiative Helene Luey is an Office Linda Heerink Administrator and Event Coordinator Communications Officer at The New Zealand Initiative, and looks after the day-to-day running of Roger Partridge is chairman and a the Initiative’s office. She works closely co-founder of The New Zealand Initiative Linda Heerink is a Communications Officer with our Operations Director to plan and is a senior member of its research at The New Zealand Initiative. She works our in-house and external events and team. He led law firm Bell Gully as closely with our research team as they helps keep the website content updated. Executive Chairman from 2007 to 2014, scope, write and publish their research She also is responsible for collating the after 16 years as a commercial litigation reports. Linda engages with stakeholders Initiative’s weekly newsletter, Insights. partner. Roger was Executive Director and media to facilitate opportunities for the of the Legal Research Foundation, a research team discuss their reports across Helene has worked for many years in charitable foundation associated with a variety of channels: TV, print and radio, event coordination, administration and the University of Auckland, from 2001 to and helps maintain the Initiative’s social marketing for Oticon New Zealand, 2009, and was a member of the Council media channels and website. and more recently as an administrator of the New Zealand Law Society, the for the Royal Australian and New Zealand Linda has worked in communications at governing body of the legal profession College of Radiologists. the Dutch Postcode Lottery, BankGiro in New Zealand, from 2011 to 2015. He Lottery, and FriendsLottery in The She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business is a chartered member of the Institute Netherlands. She holds a Bachelor of Administration from Victoria University of Directors, a member of the University Communications degree. of Wellington. of Auckland Business School advisory board, a member of the editorial board of the New Zealand Law Review, and a member of the Mont Pelerin Society.

THETHE NEW NEW ZEALANDZEALAND INITIATIVE INITIATIVE — 47 47 Barbara Chapman Matthew Cockram Stephen Jennings (Deputy Chair) Chief Executive, CEO and Founder, Chair and Independent Cooper and Company Rendeavour Director

Barbara Chapman served as Chief Matthew Cockram serves as the Chief Stephen Jennings is one of New Zealand’s Executive and Managing Director Executive Officer and Principal of Cooper most successful entrepreneurs. For of ASB Bank Limited from 2011 until and Company NZ. Prior to that, he spent more than 20 years, the Taranaki-born 2018. Since 1994, she has held several 20 years at law firm Bell Gully, with the economist and investor has been living diverse senior executive roles with last five years as Chairman, specialising and working in emerging markets. A the Commonwealth Bank Group of in construction, commercial property pioneer of capital markets in Central companies, having started her career with and major projects. He has been an and Eastern Europe and Africa, he is the Group as Chief Manager Marketing independent Director of Tainui Group responsible for more than $200 billion at ASB. Barbara is the Chair of Genesis Holdings Ltd since 2011. worth of investment into these regions. Energy and an Independent Director As the leader of Africa’s largest urban of Fletcher Building, IAG and NZME. In development company, Rendeavour, he 2019, she was appointed Chair of the CEO Dr Oliver Hartwich now helps build city-scale developments Summit Committee for APEC 2021. She Executive Director, The in some of the fastest growing cities in was named the New Zealand Business New Zealand Initiative Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, and the Leader of the Year in 2017 and made a Democratic Republic of Congo. Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2019 New Years Honours Roll Oliver Hartwich is the Executive Director for Services to Business. of The New Zealand Initiative. Before joining the Initiative, he worked for leading think tanks in London and Sydney as well as in the UK House of Lords. His research covers a broad range of policy issues, and his articles have been widely published.

48 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE John Judge Neil Paviour-Smith Chris Quin Independent Non- Managing Director, Chief Executive, Executive Director Forsyth Barr Foodstuffs North Island

John Judge was formerly Chief Executive Neil Paviour-Smith is the Managing Chris Quin was appointed as CEO of of Ernst and Young New Zealand, and Director of Forsyth Barr, a leading Foodstuffs North Island Ltd in May 2015. former chairman of ANZ Bank, and New Zealand share-broking firm and Chris has since immersed himself in Accident Compensation Corporation. investment bank. He is a Director of the the unique world of grocery and works He is also a former Director of Fletcher New Zealand Exchange (NZX) and of with the Foodstuffs Co-operative team Building Limited and Fletcher Building the Chartered Accountants Australia and and its 350 store owners to create a Finance Ltd. John is a member of the New Zealand, and a Council Member of leading supermarket experience for Otago University School of Business Victoria University of Wellington. New Zealand shoppers. Advisory Board. Prior to joining Foodstuffs, Chris was CEO of Spark Home, Mobile and Business Scott Perkins and led the company through the very Non-Executive Director, Linda Meade successful rebrand from Telecom to Woolworths Ltd and Lead Partner, Deloitte Spark. From 2008 to 2012 Chris was Brambles Ltd Access Economics CEO of the then Gen-i Australasia (now Spark Digital), and in 2012 he spent three Scott Perkins is a Non-Executive Director months as Acting CEO of Spark Group. Linda Meade is Partner at Deloitte New of Woolworths Ltd and Brambles Ltd. Zealand. Since joining Deloitte 13 years He is an active participant in the not-for- Chris relishes his role as Chairman of ago, Linda has played a lead role in the profit communities in Australia and New business incubator The ICEHOUSE and delivery of public sector and infrastructure Zealand and has an extensive career is on the Board of Directors for Loyalty engagements, with particular emphasis in financial services. He was head of NZ. In July 2010 Chris was the recipient of on central government departments, the corporate finance for Deutsche Bank an Emerging Leader Award at the annual transport sector, education, and housing. Australia and New Zealand. Sir Peter Blake Leadership Awards, and he received the Chairman’s Award at the 2010 TUANZ Innovation Awards.

THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE — 49 Our members

Acumen Republic Forsyth Barr Service IQ Not for Profit AIA Freightways Southern Cross Health Society Tainui Group Holdings Gallagher Group Stephen Jennings University of Auckland ANZ Genesis Tappenden Holdings Limited Honorary Members ASB Google Todd Corporation Tony Carter Auckland Airport Greymouth Petroleum Toyota Sir Roderick Deane AWF Madison Grant Samuel Trustpower Bob Field Bell Gully Heartland Bank The University of Waikato Catherine Isaac BNZ Infratil Uber Peter Shirtcliffe Boag Allan SvG Imperial Brands Vero Sir Robert McLeod British American Tobacco Jarden Vodafone Cameron Partners Janssen Watercare Alumnus Members Chapman Tripp Kiwibank Wellington Airport Paul Baines Chartered Accountants Kiely Thompson Caisley Wellington City Council Charles Bidwill (Australia and New Zealand) Lego Wesfarmers Dean Bracewell Chorus Lion Westpac Tony Falkenstein Cityguard Mainfreight Dame Jenny Gibbs Coca-Cola Amatil (NZ) Mastercard Murray Jack Contact McKinsey and Company Alan Judge Cooper and Company Mercury John Judge Countdown Meridian Ian Kuperus Craig Stobo Myers Family John La Grouw Deloitte NZX Sir Chris Mace Direct Capital Philip Morris (New Zealand) Scott Perkins Downer PortfolioConstruction Forum Sjoerd Post Duffy Books Presbyterian Support David Richwhite EY Northern Geoff Ricketts Fletcher Building PwC Sir Gil Simpson Foodstuffs North Island Russell McVeagh Mark Synnott

50 — THE NEW ZEALAND INITIATIVE