Discussion papers
Discussion papers present research findings to drive conversation and dialogue about the issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand.
The titles of upcoming discussion papers currently in progress are available in the 2026 Work Programme here.
Discussion Paper 2025/04 – The COVID-19 Shadow: An independent review five years on
September 2025
Download (PDF, 3MB)
Discussion Paper 2025/03 – Time to Prepare: Lessons from the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy
March 2026 Final
Download final (PDF, 3 MB)
August 2025
Download final draft (PDF, 3 MB)
Discussion Paper 2024/02 – The COVID-19 Ripple Effect: An independent review of New Zealand’s response
March 2024
Download (PDF, 7 MB)
This paper was held until the Royal Commission Phase 1 report was released.
Discussion Paper 2024/01 – Risks Hiding in Plain Sight: Does a commitment under the Paris Agreement to purchase offshore carbon credits create a requirement to report that commitment in the financial statements of the New Zealand Government?
18 June 2024 (updated 23 October 2024)
Download (PDF, 5 MB)
Addendum to Discussion Paper 2024/01
23 October 2024
Download (PDF, 7 MB).
See 18 June 2024 press release.
See also Working Paper 2024/11.
Discussion Paper 2023/04 – Exploring the Role of Aquaculture in Our Marine Space
December 2023
Download (PDF, 13 MB)
Discussion Paper 2023/02 – Establishing National Climate-related Reference Scenarios
May 2023
Download (PDF, 714 KB)
Discussion Paper 2022/03 – Nuclear War: Are we prepared?
December 2022
Download (PDF, 12 MB)
Discussion Paper 2022/02 – New Zealand King Salmon Case Study: A financial reporting perspective
March 2023
Download (PDF, 25 MB)
This discussion paper is supported by Working Paper 2022/10 – New Zealand King Salmon key documents 2012–2022
Discussion Paper 2022/01 – Future for Local Government Workshop
May 2022
Download (PDF, 3 MB)
Discussion Paper 2021/04 – An Accounting Dilemma: Does a commitment to purchase offshore carbon credits create a requirement to disclose that obligation in the financial statements of the New Zealand Government?
November 2021
Download draft (PDF, 3 MB)
This paper is superseded by Discussion Paper 2024/01 – Risks Hiding in Plain Sight
Discussion Paper 2021/02 – Need for speed: Strategy mapping and adaptive management
August 2021
Download (PDF, 5 MB)
Discussion Paper 2021/01 – Mission Aotearoa: Mapping our future
June 2021
Download (PDF, 2 MB)
Discussion Paper 2020/01 – Briefing to the Incoming Government
December 2020
Download (PDF, 439 KB)
Discussion Paper 2019/01 – The Climate Reporting Emergency: A New Zealand case study
October 2019
Download (PDF, 6 MB)
Discussion Paper 2016/05 – A Far North Perspective On Tackling Poverty
December 2016
Download (PDF, 10 MB)
Discussion Paper 2016/04 – A Gisborne Perspective on Tackling Poverty
December 2016
Download (PDF, 4 MB)
Discussion Paper 2016/03 – A Rotorua Perspective on Tackling Poverty
December 2016
Download (PDF, 5 MB)
Discussion Paper 2016/02 – A Manawatu Perspective on Tackling Poverty
December 2016
Download (PDF, 6 MB)
Discussion Paper 2016/01 – A Queenstown Perspective on Tackling Poverty
June 2016
Download (PDF, 4 MB)