The New Zealand Institute
Welcome to the New Zealand Institute
The New Zealand Institute is a privately funded think-tank committed to generating ideas, solutions and debate that will improve economic prosperity, social well-being, environmental quality and environmental productivity.
A New Initiative
The new merged organisation is the New Zealand Initiative. Click here to find out more.
3 April 2012NZahead Report Card
View the updated report card here
26 October 2011
The NZahead project aims to provide a balanced, big-picture view of New Zealand's performance. Review the Institute's assessment and share your own view of New Zealand's progress.
Discussion Papers
More ladders, fewer snakes
19 Jul 2011 | Discussion Papers
The paper proposes that accelerated roll-out of e-learning to low decile schools and improving the school-to-work transition will materially reduce youth unemployment and resulting social issues.
Plugging the gap
03 Dec 2010 | Discussion Papers
The report proposes 14 policy directions to improve the success of internationalising New Zealand businesses.
A goal is not a strategy
19 Aug 2010 | Discussion Papers
This report assesses New Zealand's economic performance and identifies priorities to improve prosperity.
Standing on the shoulders of science
09 Dec 2009 | Discussion Papers
This report describes opportunities for New Zealand to realise economic benefits from an improved innovation ecosystem and increased investment in R&D.
Actions speak louder than words
05 Mar 2008 | Discussion Papers
This report outlines priorities to position New Zealand to operate successfully in a low emissions world.
News & Updates
Submission to Māori Affairs Committee
16 Mar 2012 | 443 Kb PDF | Presentations
The New Zealand Institute submission to the Māori Affairs Committee Inquiry into the determinants of wellbeing for Māori children.
Economy and Environment: Inextricably linked
14 Mar 2012 | 1175 Kb PDF | Presentations
A presentation to the MAF Inside Out: 'Leading the Way' Leadership Programme, 14 Mar 2012.
Navigating an uncertain future
05 Mar 2012 | Media Releases
In this one hour film Rick Boven and Lillian Grace explain how New Zealand can improve its preparedness for the effects of long-term global environment trends.
We would welcome your feedback or comment.
Global environmental trends and New Zealand’s future
28 Feb 2012 | 726 Kb PDF | Presentations
In his latest lecture to the NZ Fabian Society, Rick Boven summarises the high-level global environmental trends, identifies implications for New Zealand, explains obstacles to an effective response and proposes strategic priorities to reduce risks and take advantage of opportunities.
Think Tanks to Merge
16 Dec 2011 | Media Releases
The New Zealand Business Roundtable and the New Zealand Institute confirmed today that the boards of the two organisations had agreed to combine forces to form a new, independent public policy think tank.