Latest publications / Social policy

Let it go: Devolving power and resources to improve lives - NZIER working paper 2023/02

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Working together: Re-focusing public accountability to achieve better lives

In reviewing the economics of accountability, we look at how the system of public accountability in Aotearoa New Zealand can contribute to increasing the productivity and effectiveness of the social assistance system, with a focus on addressing persistent disadvantage. Read more

Ki te kotahi te kakaho ka whati, Ki te kapuia e kore e whati: The case for more devolved social services in Te Tairāwhiti

We have known for decades that many people in Aotearoa New Zealand experience persistent disadvantage. Addressing disadvantage should be a priority for the government: to improve the lives of the people affected, meet its obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and lay the foundations … Read more

The tale of Goldilocks and the three fears (about the minimum wage) - Insight 96

The minimum wage is a ‘Goldilocks’ policy: not too high, not too low. A political consensus on the role and appropriate level of the minimum wage is both possible and desirable. Read more

Hidden in plain sight: Optimising the allied health professions for better, more sustainable integrated care

Allied Health Aotearoa New Zealand (AHANZ) commissioned NZIER to examine the evidence and identify the critical changes that are key to designing a system with fully integrated allied health services aligned with the objectives of the health and disability system reforms. Read more

Gains for everyone: Towards an inclusive growth agenda for Aotearoa New Zealand

A joint project with The Helen Clark Foundation. A newly released report from the Helen Clark Foundation and the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research calls for a minimum wage boost to improve inclusion and incentivise investment in capital and skills, leading to greater producti … Read more

Literature scan on the economic effects of social protection expenditure

NZIER report to a coalition of non-government organisations with an interest in poverty. NZIER prepared a literature scan to provide theoretical and evidential insights to a coalition of non-government organisations (with an interest in poverty) into the microeconomic and long term ma … Read more

Using big data and economics to understand and improve wellbeing - NZIER Insight 81

Wellbeing and data are increasingly at the heart of government policy-making. This Insight shows how economic explanations for behaviour, combined with large datasets, can inform policy. Read more

Kia māia: Be bold, Improving the wellbeing of children living in poverty

Kiwis believe in giving people a fair go. Improving the wellbeing of children living in poverty fits with these values. Read more

Quantifying Māori spend on tobacco, alcohol & gambling

NZIER report prepared for the Centre of Research Excellence: Indigenous Sovereignty & Smoking as part of a programme of research supported by a grant from the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Inc. Read more

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