Last month, the government pushed through changes to the pay equity laws. Leaving aside the protests and the rather unseemly political drama that surrounded the passage of the Bill, we might use this to look into some of the assumptions that surround our view of what matters in our society and economy.

How can we improve the lot of all New Zealanders? It’s obvious really, argues Ian Fletcher, so why are our politicians not doing it?

With a Chinese naval fleet undertaking live firing in the Tasman Sea, former head of New Zealand’s security bureau Ian Fletcher explains...

Former top bureaucrat Ian Fletcher examines the various types of public service in NZ, and identifies where improvements need to be made...

I’ve written several times about productivity, which I (as many others) see as the central challenge facing the New Zealand economy...

Will the Trump Restoration make any difference to New Zealand’s place in the world? How will it shape our domestic politics and debate?...

What does Ian Fletcher make of the ACT Party's Treat Principles Bill? Find out in his Views from Outside the Apiary...

There’s a lot to ‘sort out’ with local government at present, but Ian Fletcher takes his best shot – first diagnosing their ailment...

Higher electricity prices ... What should we think? Could they be a good thing ponders Ian Fletcher...

Former head of several national and state departments, Ian Fletcher explores a pressing national issue – the health system and the govt...

It’s been a month where infrastructure has looked fragile. The ferry grounding (and the previous decision to cancel the replacements)...

With New Zealand's books in the red, and a global economy throwing up serious challenges, Ian Fletcher puts on his thinking cap...

Health, crime, education, housing, productivity. It’s a familiar list of things that just seem like they won’t get better no matter who’s...

We recently saw the end of the new Government’s first hundred days’ plan. At the same time, the quarterly GDP figures were published...

It's just a matter of time before New Zealand is struck by another catastrophic event, but are we prepared?

I’ve been struck by the response to the deployment of six (yes, just six) NZDF people to the Middle East, to ‘help’ in the response to...

How can New Zealand arrest its falling productivity and be the best it can be? It's not an easy question to answer but Ian Fletcher has...

This week has seen two events of notable significance. The first was the publication of the new Government’s 100-day plan, the second...

Here’s the brief that Christopher Luxon ought to be getting as he prepares to become Prime Minister...

The public service has been a key talking point for political parties. Ian Fletcher calls on his experience heading departments to weigh in.