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Artwork for The New Zealand Initiative

The New Zealand Initiative

The New Zealand Initiative
New Zealand
Academic Freedom
Education
United States
Grade Inflation
Housing Affordability
Regulatory Standards Bill
Australia
Germany
Local Government
Artificial Intelligence
Free Speech
Literacy
New Zealand Government
Infrastructure
Commerce Commission
Free Speech Union
First Nations
Critical Thinking
Government Structure

Podcast by The New Zealand Initiative

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes342Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for The New Zealand Initiative

Latest Episodes

In this episode, Oliver talks with senior fellow John Howard about mounting geopolitical instability, from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to Trump's visit to Beijing and the growing pressure on Taiwan. They discuss what these crises mean for New Zeala... more

In this episode, Oliver talks with Roger Partridge about the Government’s decision to legislate to stop the Smith v Fonterra climate change case. They discuss why Parliament was right to step in after the Supreme Court reinstated a claim the Court of... more

In this episode, Michael talks to Oliver Hartwich about his new satirical novella The Martian Audit, in which two alien auditors arrive in New Zealand to assess it for invasion, only to find themselves defeated not by weapons but by the country's reg... more

In this episode, Michael and James talk with Sarah McLaughlin from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. They discuss attacks on free speech internationally, with governments from Washington to Beijing using deportation powers, financi... more

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Recent Guests

Oliver Hartwich
Executive director of The New Zealand Initiative; author of The Martian Audit
The New Zealand Initiative
Episode: The Martian Audit: Or, how New Zealand repelled an Invasion through procedural complexity
Sarah McLaughlin
Representative, Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
Episode: Why free speech is losing ground even in free societies
John Howard
Retired Major General, Senior Fellow at The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative
Episode: An operational pause is not peace
Bob Davies
Veteran, former Sergeant Major of the Army
New Zealand Army
Episode: Thanked Once a Year: An Anzac Day Conversation with Bob Davies
Elizabeth Rata
Professor of Education
University of Auckland
Episode: What New Zealand's 19th-century teachers knew but progressive educators forgot
Lynda Knight
Principal of Glenview Primary School
Glenview Primary School, Parirua
Episode: Why children can't learn unless they feel safe
Andreas Heuser
Economist, founder of Heuser-Whittington; previously lead economist on the fuel security study
Heuser-Whittington (formerly Castalia)
Episode: Let prices do the job when fuel is scarce
Benno Blaschke
Dr. specializing in planning systems, urban economics, and competitive land markets; co-author of the Initiative's submission
The New Zealand Initiative
Episode: Will the Planning Bill actually deliver housing affordability?
James Kierstead
Adjunct fellow with The New Zealand Initiative
The New Zealand Initiative
Episode: Academic freedom and institutional neutrality in New Zealand’s universities

Hosts

Nick Clark
Policy lead at The New Zealand Initiative and host/analyst on policy reform discussions.
Oliver Hartwich
Executive Director of The Initiative, frequent host discussing housing, regulation, and governance.
Eric Crampton
Chief Economist with The Initiative; frequent host providing economic critique of policy reforms.
Michael Johnston
Host of The New Zealand Initiative podcast; economist and policy commentator.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 65 ratings
  • Look deeper

    Just because you hear some news like immigrants are eating pets in Springfield Ohio, and it seems preposterous, doesn’t mean it isn’t true . You need to research outside the main stream and you will find plenty of evidence it did occur , videos and council meeting testimonies . Debunked you say …. Sorry , you’re wrong …

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    woz145
    New Zealand2 years ago
  • The art of conversation

    Great conversations. Just listened to the Bill English episode. Sensible, pragmatic and wise. He’s very in tune with Kiwis who go along with things until they don’t. Listen to the very end when Sir Bill talks about the use of data and its importance.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    spiritedcrone
    New Zealand3 years ago
  • These people make sense

    They are very pragmatic and to the point. Great podcast for quickly exposing yourself to somewhat unheard, sensible ideas.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dunners breather
    New Zealand5 years ago
  • Breath of fresh air

    I’m not a Kiwi, but it’s refreshing to hear opinions that aren’t based on “group think”. Same Apple does not allow individual episodes to be rated.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ctoime
    Australia5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Accessible yet rigorous conversations on complex issues.
Interesting international comparisons to NZ policy debates.
Fresh takes that challenge mainstream policy narratives.
Thoughtful critique of housing and planning reforms.
Pragmatic, data-driven policy analysis.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#173
New Zealand/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

What New Zealand's 19th-century teachers knew but progressive educators forgot
Q: What should we do about teacher education to fix the weak link in the system?
A dual approach is needed: teachers must be deeply knowledgeable themselves and also trained in effective teaching methods and the science of learning; reform should include a strong, tiered career structure for teachers and alternative in-school training models with highly competent mentor teachers.
What New Zealand's 19th-century teachers knew but progressive educators forgot
Q: So where does that kind of thinking fit into the picture in your mind?
It's difficult to reconcile the Rousseau-inspired romantic view of the child with the prior tradition that balanced instruction and activity, and the shift in the 60s–70s toward more egalitarian, race-based group identities undermined that balance, leading to years of reform that prioritized process over content.
Thanked Once a Year: An Anzac Day Conversation with Bob Davies
Q: How did Agent Orange affect your family, particularly your son?
My son was born with defects that were later linked to exposure; he lived only three days, and the government's delayed recognition added to the long, painful process for my family.
Thanked Once a Year: An Anzac Day Conversation with Bob Davies
Q: What was your first deployment like in Vietnam and how did you cope emotionally?
We trained for combat, but the emotional impact wasn't fully knowable until the contact happened; you function on instinct and then process it later when safe, often needing to decompress after the fact.
Thanked Once a Year: An Anzac Day Conversation with Bob Davies
Q: What motivated you to join the Army at such a young age?
Family history with wartime service and school cadet activities inspired me; I wanted to be part of something meaningful and immediately found purpose in military training and readiness.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The New Zealand Initiative

What is The New Zealand Initiative about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The series focuses on economics, public policy, housing, infrastructure, and geopolitics in New Zealand, often analyzing how regulatory design, planning frameworks, and government reform impact growth and everyday life. Episodes typically feature policy experts and practitioners who dissect legislation, examine unintended consequences, and propose concrete reforms, with a recurring emphasis on property rights, housing affordability, and strategic governance. A standout trait is its willingness to challenge established policy narratives and reference international comparisons to illuminate local debates, making it helpful for listeners who want pragmatic, data-driven perspectives on complex public policy issues.

Where can I find podcast stats for The New Zealand Initiative?

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How many listeners does The New Zealand Initiative get?

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Which podcasts are similar to The New Zealand Initiative?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The New Zealand Initiative:

1. The Front Page
2. The Leighton Smith Podcast
3. The Detail
4. Taxpayer Talk
5. Gone By Lunchtime

How many episodes of The New Zealand Initiative are there?

The New Zealand Initiative launched 6 years ago and published 342 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The New Zealand Initiative?

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Where can I see ratings and reviews for The New Zealand Initiative?

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What guests have appeared on The New Zealand Initiative?

Recent guests on The New Zealand Initiative include:

1. Oliver Hartwich
2. Sarah McLaughlin
3. John Howard
4. Bob Davies
5. Elizabeth Rata
6. Lynda Knight
7. Andreas Heuser
8. Benno Blaschke

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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