The Institute for Democratic & Economic Analysis
We seek rational solutions that help all New Zealanders participate fully in our economy and democracy.
RESEARCH
We carefully and even-handedly map some of New Zealand's biggest problems.
POLICY
We put evidence and people at the heart of our solutions.
COMMUNICATIONS
We share our findings with decision-makers and the public in creative and compelling ways.
Our Research
IDEA is working on an ambitious list of projects that will help ensure everyone has the means for a decent life and a say over how decisions are made.
The Pipeline of Potential
New Zealand needs to better connect employers with jobseekers, creating a steady stream of work-ready employees by investing more in people looking to make the welfare-to-work transition. Our new report sets out how New Zealand could do this better.
Creating Competition
Too many New Zealand markets are dominated by a handful of firms, driving up prices for consumers and squeezing suppliers. IDEA will examine how to create greater dynamism and competition in these areas, and re-think our whole approach to competition.
Protecting Small Business
Small businesses are central to Kiwi aspirations but often struggle with large firms refusing to pay on time, difficulties supplying uncompetitive markets, and abuse of bankruptcy and insolvency. IDEA will examine how our commerce laws can better protect smaller firms.
Barriers to Participation
A growing consensus suggests New Zealand’s service isn’t working well. It struggles to deliver big projects, and over-spends on consultants. But how do we make public programmes more effective? How do we get the state into the right state?
Community-led Budgeting
Internationally, local councils are increasingly letting residents debate and allocate part of their infrastructure budgets. This leads to better informed, more democratic and more efficient spending. IDEA will work with local councils to pilot such schemes here.
Kids KiwiSaver
A Kids KiwiSaver scheme would boost national savings by enrolling all children in the scheme at birth and providing a mix of government and parental contributions. Young people could hit 18 with $10,000-20,000 as the foundation of their future lives.