Housing package: this term’s oil and gas ban?

Housing package: this term’s oil and gas ban?
A phalanx of ministers announced this week's housing package.
Pattrick Smellie
Stung by critics on the left as leading a do-nothing government and hoist on expectations created before Christmas of meaningful housing affordability reforms, prime minister Jacinda Ardern went into Tuesday morning’s announcements with a lot to prove.At the end of the week, what is the evidence of the housing package’s impact?As public policy, it’s a muddle.The best proof of that is the lack of enthusiasm from officials for any of it and the fact that in stopping house price inflation in its tracks, it may yet raise rents and...

More Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform
Policy

KiwiSaver providers want more out of retirement reform

The Retirement Commissioner says KiwiSaver does not work equally well for everyone.