Progress after Ardern

Progress after Ardern
Jacinda Ardern had big ambitions but progress requires trade-offs. (Image: Getty)
Dileepa Fonseka
For parts of former prime minister Jacinda Ardern’s reign, it seemed like there was little the state could not achieve. But she has departed at a time when the capacity of government has never seemed more constrained.During the first covid lockdown, we started envisioning a future where New Zealand could be globally sought after as a safe haven. A global tragedy could be an opportunity to build back better by manufacturing more domestically, ramping up exports, upskilling our workforce, investing in productivity and embarking on a histori...

More Opinion

War on Nature v Going for Growth
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: War on Nature v Going for Growth

Some big environmental eggs were broken this week to 'go for growth'.

A blueprint to beat our economic malaise
Opinion

Peter Griffin: A blueprint to beat our economic malaise

NZ must trade talk for execution and invest in talent to escape its economic woes. 

Peter Griffin 05 Nov 2025
KiwiSaver: Why side-pockets are out
Opinion

David Chaplin: KiwiSaver: Why side-pockets are out

Government scraps KiwiSaver reforms, keeps only disclosure tweak.

David Chaplin 04 Nov 2025
The politics of whose capital gets taxed
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: The politics of whose capital gets taxed

Politically, there are now 'good' capital gains and 'bad'.

Dileepa Fonseka 03 Nov 2025