2024 has brought substantial progress in The New Zealand Initiative’s mission to build a more prosperous country. Our evidence-based policy recommendations have influenced reform across multiple sectors.
After years of persistent advocacy, we have seen breakthrough progress on foreign direct investment reform. The government’s reform programme closely aligns with our longstanding recommendations. A new ministerial directive has halved processing times at the Overseas Investment Office, marking a decisive shift from New Zealand having the OECD’s most restrictive
FDI regime.
Education reform also advanced significantly. Our Senior Fellow, Dr Michael Johnston, chaired the Ministerial Advisory Group on curriculum reform, directly shaping teaching practices in schools. Our research on artificial
intelligence in education has contributed to one of the big education debates of our time.
Our research programme examined critical economic and social challenges. Studies ranged from monetary policy and government effectiveness to academic freedom and judicial reform. These publications have informed policy development and public debate.
Direct engagement with decision-makers reached new levels. We hosted Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters, Finance Minister Nicola Willis, and senior cabinet ministers, including David
Seymour, Judith Collins, and Matt Doocey, at member events throughout the year.
Our Health Innovator’s Summit connected politicians with healthcare professionals to advance practical solutions. The Universities Symposium, featuring Minister Penny Simmonds, facilitated crucial discussions about
academic freedom and institutional reform.
The Initiative’s research and analysis reached broad audiences through our growing podcast, newsletters and media commentary. This broader engagement helped ensure evidence-based policy discussions on crucial
national issues.
Looking towards 2025, several major projects are underway. These include studies of public service reform, vocational education and primary healthcare. Each aims to provide practical solutions to pressing national challenges.
We thank our members for their continued support. Their engagement enables our independence and impact in promoting policies for a more prosperous New Zealand.
The year demonstrated what focused, evidence-based advocacy can achieve. Much work remains. Yet, thanks to the Initiative’s work, the path to a more productive and prosperous nation is clearer than ever.
