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This report, the first in a two-part series, seeks to examine the factors that prevent greater mineral extraction in New Zealand, a business model that could help stem some of the economic pressures faced by many of the country's rural regions. The key findings of Poverty of Wealth are that: Rural New Zealand is in decline Economic growth is concentrated in urban areas, particularly Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, whereas seven of the rural regions recorded negative economic growth in the year ending March 2013, and a further two recorded flat growth. Read more

Empty Nests, Crowded Houses: Building for an ageing population describes what could develop in the future housing market if the current rate of construction fails to increase. The report is based on demographic projections which predict that under a range of scenarios, the population is likely to be larger and older. Read more

With a greater number of local government bodies having adopted a compact city development strategy, or in the process of considering it, The New Zealand Initiative set out to examine whether these urban forms deliver on their stated benefits. The compact city school of thought is built on the belief that cities should be sustainable in their use of resources, and while this takes many policy forms, it is principally expressed in restricting the outwards spread of the urban footprint. Read more

It is well recognised that New Zealand has a housing supply problem. Amid a growing population, shrinking household size, and increasing migration flows, the number of new homes built over the last three decades has failed to keep up with real demand. Read more

A joint publication from The New Zealand Initiative and Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ). A Global Perspective on Localism discusses the question of if the developed world is looking to put more power in the hands of people at a local government level, why is New Zealand headed in the other direction? Read more

This report is a summary of fieldwork abroad on how different jurisdictions deal with their housing markets, and the interaction between regulation, local government and building. Key points Switzerland and Germany have remarkably stable prices compared to New Zealand, while Texas has had stable and low house prices for an extended period. Read more

Priced Out – How New Zealand Lost its Housing Affordability looks at long-term trends in housing regulation and social circumstances as well as the changing roles of local and central governments. The report reveals how and why New Zealand is suffering a shortfall of houses. Read more

A submission by the New Zealand Business Roundtable on the Auckland Council's Draft Plan. Read more

The affordability of housing is an important issue. The quantity, quality and price of housing services obtained through owner-occupation, renting and other arrangements are vital for the overall welfare of all New Zealanders. Read more

While improved governance arrangements for Auckland are a commendable first step, the Forum believes that much work remains if local government is to contribute fully to lifting overall economic performance. Broader reform of local government, which the government is progressing separately, can assist. Read more