Overview of this research workstream This research workstream keeps focuses on measuring and evaluating the state of New Zealand, becoming a one-stop-shop of respected and reliable information and analysis on the state of the country. It produces robust information and analysis on the strengths and weaknesses of nation, with special attention to evaluating Democracy, Equality, […]

Overview of this research workstream Democracy requires a robust electoral system, curbs on vested interests controlling the public sphere, and a strong media that can investigate the powerful. This research workstream evaluates the health of democracy and advocates for necessary reforms.

Overview of this research workstream How well do government agencies perform in protecting and advancing the public interest? Or do they aid vested interests? This workstream examines the public service, focusing on integrity issues, cronyism and capture by vested interests. It will highlight poor procurement, wastage, and the role of agencies in properly regulating business

Overview of this research workstream Scrutiny of the Executive branch of government will be carried out in this workstream. We will focus on the question of “who has the ear of government?”, with attention to the published ministerial diaries, evaluating the transparency of the government, and looking at who is benefitting from the government of

Overview of this research workstream The role of vested interests in using corporate lobbying will be researched. We will advocate for the implementation of progressive reforms to regulate this sector.

Overview of this research workstream Donations to political parties and other political campaigning is the focus of this workstream. We will catalog donations provided to political parties, candidates, and interest groups. We will campaign for the progressive reform of the laws around money in politics, as well as for the adequate policing of the rules.

Overview of this research workstream This workstream focuses on business and wealthy individual and entities. We will research and scrutinise those with wealth and its impact on the political process. This includes the wealth of politicians. But the main focus will be business and businesspeople, especially in terms of corporate welfare and the operations of

Overview of this research workstream This workstream focuses on organised interests in New Zealand that have an influence on politics and society – mainly what are normally termed “interest groups”, “lobby groups”, “pressure groups”, “campaign groups”, and “think tanks”. In separate workstreams we will deal with other organised groups such as corporate lobbying firms and