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.
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.
Public Sector Reform
New Zealanders are increasingly worried that their government doesn't work well. It struggles to deliver big projects and over-spends on consultants. This project looks at how we make public programmes more effective – and get the state into the right state.
Capital Gains Taxes
Strong claims are made for and against capital gains taxes – that they harm the economy, for instance, or lower house prices. But what's the truth? This IDEA project is an even-handed survey of the evidence on a controversial topic.
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.
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.