New Zealand’s Executive Branch has grown to an abnormal size. The number of departments, portfolios, and ministers likely causes a suite of coordination, policy drift and resource management problems.

New Zealand relies on the Executive for everything from education to roads. This report’s research, alongside the academic literature, suggests size and complexity are severely limiting the optimal performance of this branch of government.

The report finds political incentives appear to have grown this body to an abnormal size, and bureaucratic factors appear to prevent its reduction. The result is a tragically tangled and inefficient system.

The report finds inefficiencies of three different kinds. Those associated with portfolios, departments and ministers. As a whole, they paint an alarming picture of a serious set of issues within the apex of the government. The report also emphasises the need for further research, also highlighting that a lack of academic, journalistic or political interest in the area has led to this pressing issue failing to receive the attention it deserves.