macrohard

Capture warnings

Warnings that the state is being captured by private interests. These alone decide the verdict. The verdict turns to capture when 2 or more capture warnings trip. It is computed, not chosen: the rule.

1 of 5 tripped, 2 on watch.

Tripped means the warning has gone off. Watch means the reading has crossed an early line set short of the trip point. Clear means neither.

Checked · this record as data

Capture warnings
Indicator Reading Status Trips when Sources
Ministerial control of public service appointmentsAppointments None. Chief executives are chosen by a merit panel led by the Public Service Commissioner, who must act independently of ministers. Cabinet may decline a choice and direct another, but must publish that it did. Clear Ministers gain the power to appoint chief executives directly (a bill is watch; an Act trips it). Public Service Amendment Act 2026; Public Service Commission, 2 Feb 2024measured · data to
Cite Ministerial control of public service appointments

Ministerial control of public service appointments: Clear. Source: Public Service Amendment Act 2026. Via macrohard.nz, The Hollowing Index, data to 2026-09-20, checked 2026-09-30. https://macrohard.nz/capture#appointments
Executive response to adverse independent findingsAccountability Three instances in the last three years: Acts in 2024, 2025 and 2026 each ended a live Tribunal, Authority or commission matter before it was decided. The same search of earlier terms found one in 2008–11 and one in 2014–17.
  1. A bill ended the Waitangi Tribunal’s jurisdiction over health claims set down for an urgent hearing. Waitangi Tribunal, 29 Nov 2024
  2. An Act discontinued pay equity claims and undetermined proceedings, including a claim before the Employment Relations Authority. Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025, Sch 1 cl 8
  3. An Act ended undetermined employment and human rights claims about disability support, treating them as withdrawn. Disability Support Services Act 2026, Sch 1 cls 10–14
2 earlier instances, outside the window
  1. An Act ended the Environment Court’s jurisdiction over an inquiry it was conducting into a water conservation order. Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010, Sch 2 cl 7
  2. A government response presented to Parliament by this date declined to act on a Human Rights Review Tribunal declaration of inconsistency. Government response to declarations of inconsistency, Human Rights Act 1993 s 92K
 Tripped 3 of 3 to trip within 3 years Three in three years of declining to act on a court, Tribunal or Auditor-General finding, or of legislation ending jurisdiction over a live matter. Recommendations and negotiated settlements excluded. each instance links its own sourcemeasured · data to
Cite Executive response to adverse independent findings

Executive response to adverse independent findings: 3 of 3 instances within 3 years. Source: Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Act 2010, Sch 2 cl 7. Via macrohard.nz, The Hollowing Index, data to 2026-09-28, checked 2026-09-30. https://macrohard.nz/capture#adverse-findings
Donations from beneficiaries of legislationLaw and policy Entities linked to fast-track applications donated over NZ$1 million to parties since 2022. The Auditor-General found the conflicts system sound but warned the perception erodes trust. No impropriety is alleged.
  1. Entities linked to fast-track applications reported as donating over NZ$1 million since 2022. RNZ, fast-track donations
 Watch 1 of 3 to trip Three recorded instances of donations from beneficiaries of fast-track or Crown Minerals decisions following those decisions. Timing only; no impropriety is implied. Audit Office, 2025, summary; Audit Office, 2025, part 4; each instance links its own sourcemeasured · data to
Cite Donations from beneficiaries of legislation

Donations from beneficiaries of legislation: 1 of 3 instances. Source: Audit Office, 2025, summary. Via macrohard.nz, The Hollowing Index, data to 2026-09-20, checked 2026-09-30. https://macrohard.nz/capture#donations-after-legislation
Proportional representation (MMP)Party system Retained at the 2011 referendum, 58% voting to keep it. In August 2026 the Prime Minister promised a referendum on MMP if re-elected. No referendum bill has been introduced. Clear A bill to abolish or weaken MMP is introduced (watch) or enacted (tripped). Electoral Commission, the introduction of MMP; RNZ, uncosted MMP referendum (secondary)measured · data to
Cite Proportional representation (MMP)

Proportional representation (MMP): Clear. Source: Electoral Commission, the introduction of MMP. Via macrohard.nz, The Hollowing Index, data to 2026-09-28, checked 2026-09-30. https://macrohard.nz/capture#electoral-system
Corruption Perceptions Index scoreAccountability 81/10081 out of 100 in 2025. It was 91 in 2013–2015. trips < 80watch < 85 2012 90 · 2025 81 Watch Watch below 85; trips after two consecutive years below 80, since a single year can fall inside the score’s margin of error. Transparency International, CPI 2025 results (data file); Transparency International New Zealand, CPI 2025measured · data to
Cite Corruption Perceptions Index score

Corruption Perceptions Index score: 81/100 (2025). Source: Transparency International, CPI 2025 results (data file). Via macrohard.nz, The Hollowing Index, data to 2026-02-10, checked 2026-09-30. https://macrohard.nz/capture#cpi