Nick is a Senior Fellow, focusing on local government, resource management, and economic policy.
Nick brings 30 years experience in policy and advocacy inside and outside of government. He comes to us from 19 years at Federated Farmers, where he was its National Policy Manager. As well as managing a team of policy advisors, Nick led Federated Farmers' work on economic policy, including on fiscal policy, tax policy, monetary policy, banking policy, competition policy, and overseas investment policy.
He also worked extensively on local government policy issues and has been the administrator of the Local Government Business Forum, a grouping of national business organisations with an interest in local government policy issues.
Much of my work for The New Zealand Initiative is on local government. I am interested in how local government can contribute to a growing economy. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Gene Technology Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
In 2002, the ‘Corngate’ controversy broke in the media. Journalist John Campbell blindsided then-PM Helen Clark with allegations that genetically modified (GM) corn had been accidentally released in New Zealand. Read more
It is hard to believe today, but a TV interview about genetic modification (GM) once upended an election campaign. That interview cast a long shadow over the use of GM in New Zealand. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the Resource Management (Consents and Other Systems Changes) Amendment Bill is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
Nick Clark talks about his latest report urging for local government reform. Listen below. Read more
New Zealand's local government is facing a crisis of democracy, but international examples show a way forward. This is the key message from my report, Making Local Government Work, released by the New Zealand Initiative this week. Read more
New Zealand’s local government problems stem from a fundamental flaw that can be fixed, research released today reveals. “We have identified the root cause of council dysfunction: mayors and councillors lack the power to deliver what they promise voters. Read more
In this episode, Oliver and Nick discuss the fundamental problems with New Zealand's local government system, particularly how elected officials often lack real power while unelected bureaucrats and chief executives wield excessive influence. Nick's new report "Making Local Government Work" proposes five potential solutions, ranging from implementing a German-style "Super Mayor" model to giving councillors more oversight powers, with some reforms likely achievable under the current Government. Read more
Wellington (Tuesday, 10 December 2024) - New Zealand’s local government problems stem from a fundamental flaw that can be fixed, research released today reveals. “We have identified the root cause of council dysfunction: mayors and councillors lack the power to deliver what they promise voters. Read more
1. INTRODUCTION AND SUMMARY 1.1 This submission on the National Infrastructure Plan Discussion Document is made by The New Zealand Initiative (the Initiative), a Wellington-based think tank supported primarily by major New Zealand businesses. Read more
When a council needs adult supervision, something has gone seriously wrong. Local Government Minister Simeon Brown's intention to appoint a Crown Observer to Wellington City Council reflects mounting frustration with the capital's governance. Read more
2024 is a significant year for elections with over 60 countries having been to the polls or are going to the polls this year. The United States election on 5 November is without doubt the most consequential. Read more
In this episode, Oliver and Nick talk to Oliver Wittke, former mayor of Gelsenkirchen. They discuss a significant local government reform in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, that could offer valuable insights for New Zealand's current system. Read more
As New Zealanders face rising costs of living, ACC's proposed levy hikes threaten to add another financial burden. It is time for a critical look at our accident compensation system. Read more