Leighton Smith Podcast #328 - May 13th 2026 - Oliver Hartwich
From The Leighton Smith Podcast by Newstalk ZB
May 13, 2026 · 1h 26m
About this episode
Oliver Hartwich discusses his satirical novella about New Zealand's governance and its implications on climate change.
An inventive way to encourage the understanding of the stupidity in New Zealand's governance... Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the New Zealand Initiative, has authored a novella, ‘The Martian Audit: Or, How New Zealand Repelled an Invasion Through Procedural Complexity’. It’s a satirical work in which Martian invaders are held off and eventually sent packing by the country’s planning system, consultation requirements, and public service culture. The novella is meant to entertain but reeks of reality – especially for those who have been challenged by the system. We also bring to your attention the latest, very significant, information about climate change. And we end in the mailroom with Mrs Producer. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz OR Carolyn@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes: To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People in this episode
Host: Leighton Smith
Guest: Oliver Hartwich
Topics covered
- New Zealand governance
- satire
- climate change
- public service culture
- planning system
Keywords
- New Zealand
- governance
- satire
- climate change
- public service
- planning system
- Oliver Hartwich
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: New Zealand Initiative
Books & works: The Martian Audit: Or, How New Zealand Repelled an Invasion Through Procedural Complexity
Places: New Zealand
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