What exactly is the Business of Government? (and more ... )

What exactly is the Business of Government? (and more ... )
Asset sales – another idea straight out of the Bill English playbook? Bill English (centre) and SOE minister Tony Ryall (left) attend the partial float of Meridian on the NZX. (Image: NZME)
Jem Traylen
The 'People’s Portfolio'Should the government be in the business of farming or providing a property valuation service that competes against the private sector?Currently it is, but in his state of the nation speech last month, Act leader David Seymour put selling state assets firmly on the political agenda.This, in turn, forced Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to say it might be something National campaigns on at the next election.Cue the think tank that both parties love to read – the New Zealand Initiative – releasing...

More Policy

Compass dropped in major school lunch shake-up
Policy

Compass dropped in major school lunch shake-up

Ministry appoints 10 regional suppliers; Compass misses out after bidding for RFP.

Cécile Meier 07 Nov 2025
$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms
Policy

$200m gas fund may not be enough as Māui closure looms

The fund has been expanded to cover gas storage.

Ian Llewellyn 06 Nov 2025
Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation
Policy

Seymour promotes coal, nuclear, and privatisation

Burning some coal to enable more renewable power "not a bad deal".

Pattrick Smellie 05 Nov 2025
EPA head quits with fast-track changes
Policy

EPA head quits with fast-track changes

The latest fast-track reforms go far beyond supermarket resource consenting.