Business of Government: zombie policies, pendulum swings and more...

Business of Government: zombie policies, pendulum swings and more...
Some policy ideas should not be re-animated. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
The pendulum swings on benefit sanctionsThe previous government’s Welfare Expert Advisory Report produced not one but eight evidence review papers on the effectiveness of benefit sanctions, concluding there was “little evidence” supporting the then-current system’s use of obligations and sanctions to change behaviour: “...rather, there is research indicating that they compound social harm and disconnectedness.”In the face of such overwhelming evidence, one might think that, aside from a bit of fine-tuning at...

More Policy

MoT to gauge market interest in toll road concessions
Policy

MoT to gauge market interest in toll road concessions

Investment bank Citi will assist the ministry. Transurban has already signalled interest.

Oliver Lewis 03 Jul 2025
Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders
Policy

Govt announces first three 'regional deal' contenders

Ministers want regions to consider 'asset recycling', among other funding tools.

Oliver Lewis 02 Jul 2025
‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades
Policy

‘Bluewater backbone’: Lyttelton, Auckland ports plan $1b+ of upgrades

Two of the biggest NZ ports are raising prices as they plan major investments.

Oliver Lewis 02 Jul 2025
'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'
Policy

'There are some firms in NZ I won’t touch'

Adam Feeley on the reluctance to call out poor performers in NZ infrastructure sector.

Oliver Lewis 30 Jun 2025