Local Government Finance
There’s a lot to ‘sort out’ with local government at present, but Ian Fletcher takes his best shot – first diagnosing their ailment...
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Ian Fletcher
Sep 14 min read
Electricity Prices
Higher electricity prices ... What should we think? Could they be a good thing ponders Ian Fletcher...
Ian Fletcher
Aug 24 min read
How Hard is it to Run a Health System?
Former head of several national and state departments, Ian Fletcher explores a pressing national issue – the health system and the govt...
Ian Fletcher
Jul 14 min read
Infrastructure – Systematic thinking about Systems
It’s been a month where infrastructure has looked fragile. The ferry grounding (and the previous decision to cancel the replacements)...
Ian Fletcher
Jun 24 min read
We Have No Money, So We Shall Have to Think Instead
With New Zealand's books in the red, and a global economy throwing up serious challenges, Ian Fletcher puts on his thinking cap...
Ian Fletcher
May 14 min read
What Might Really Make a Difference?
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...
Ian Fletcher
Mar 294 min read
Productivity and Plans
We recently saw the end of the new Government’s first hundred days’ plan. At the same time, the quarterly GDP figures were published...
Ian Fletcher
Mar 24 min read
Resilience Lite
It's just a matter of time before New Zealand is struck by another catastrophic event, but are we prepared?
Ian Fletcher
Feb 34 min read
An Independent Foreign Policy?
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...
Ian Fletcher
Dec 31, 20234 min read
Productivity – The Hardest Topic of All
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...
Ian Fletcher
Dec 1, 20235 min read
Foreign Affairs
This week has seen two events of notable significance. The first was the publication of the new Government’s 100-day plan, the second...
Ian Fletcher
Nov 1, 20234 min read
I’m the Prime Minister! What Could Go Wrong?
Here’s the brief that Christopher Luxon ought to be getting as he prepares to become Prime Minister...
Ian Fletcher
Oct 1, 20234 min read
The Withering Away of the State
The public service has been a key talking point for political parties. Ian Fletcher calls on his experience heading departments to weigh in.
Ian Fletcher
Sep 1, 20234 min read
China – a Warning
China matters to New Zealand but, as a market place for our products, it is faltering. We need a plan to respond, warns Ian Fletcher...
Ian Fletcher
Aug 1, 20234 min read
What Should Keep Voters Awake?
With the election looming, Ian Fletcher sets out some of the big issues voters should be thinking about...
Ian Fletcher
Jul 3, 20235 min read
The Blundered Mānuka Honey Definition
MPI's reassessment of the manuka honey definition is a failure on multiple fronts, writes experienced public servant Ian Fletcher...
Ian Fletcher
May 31, 20235 min read
The IPONZ Mānuka Decision and Next Steps
It might be time to pick up the phone to Australia and talk Manuka Honey opines Ian Fletcher, a former advisor to the NZ trademark efforts.
Ian Fletcher
May 2, 20234 min read
The Problem with MPI
Following honey industry complaints about MPI processes last month, experienced bureaucrat Ian Fletcher explores some of MPI's workings...
Ian Fletcher
Mar 4, 20234 min read
What to Learn from Cyclone Gabrielle?
Ian Fletcher looks into how we can better prepare for, and react to, extreme weather events...
Ian Fletcher
Jan 31, 20234 min read
What Ought the PM be Worrying About?
So, we have a new Prime Minister. What ought Chris Hipkins actually be worrying about?...
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