After years of research and advocacy, I’m making this comprehensive work freely available to all New Zealanders.
Voter turnout continues to decline. Trust in politicians hits new lows. Meanwhile, our government operates with fewer checks and balances than almost any other democracy in the developed world.
This book examines why our democracy isn’t working as well as it should—and offers practical solutions.
“This is an important and well researched book. Steve Baron has a thorough knowledge of the issue and, to speak in plain English, he knows his stuff.”
— Professor Matt Qvortrup, Coventry University
“The most comprehensive book on the subject anywhere in the world, in my opinion. I recommend it unreservedly.”
— Larry Baldock, former United Future MP
Written in 2017, this 400+ page work represents years of research, political experience, and deep thinking about how we can improve our democracy. While some examples reference the political climate of that time, the core arguments and solutions remain powerfully relevant today.
I hold degrees in Economics and Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington and founded Better Democracy New Zealand. This isn’t academic theory—it’s a practical roadmap for democratic reform based on real-world examples from around the globe.
I believe every New Zealander should have access to this information. That’s why I’m offering the complete book as a free download.
Your democracy. Your choice. Your future.
Note: This book advocates for binding citizens’ initiated referendums, veto referendums, and other direct democracy tools. Whether you agree or disagree, I invite you to read the evidence and make up your own mind.
Steve Baron is a New Zealand-based political commentator and author. He holds a BA with a double major in Economics and Political Science from the University of Waikato and an Honours Degree in Political Science from Victoria University of Wellington. A former businessman in the advertising industry, he founded the political lobby group Better Democracy NZ. https://stevebaron.co.nz
bron768 says:
Thank you for sharing this. Great read!
Harpreet K. says:
Solid book choice. Baron’s unpacking of how our system concentrates power is worth the read, but I’d watch out for one thing: it’s easy to walk away thinking the problems are simpler to fix than they actually are. The structural stuff he identifies is real, though moving past it requires way more than just pointing out the gaps. Reckon readers need to sit with the harder questions about what trade-offs come with any real changes.
Chris D. says:
Reckon Baron’s onto something about how little real power most voters actually have between elections, but curious what he reckons would actually fix it.
dazza says:
Been saying this for years mate, our local body elections are a joke. Watched our council make decisions that affect thousands and barely anyone knows who’s even running.
Mel W. says:
The stuff about how our select committees barely scrutinise legislation properly is the real issue, reckon that’s where actual democratic muscle gets lost. Wonder if Baron touches on whether voters even know that’s happening, because it’s hard to care about a problem you can’t see.
Jack says:
Reckon Baron’s onto something real with how disconnected Parliament feels from what’s actually happening on the ground. Saw it firsthand when locals in my electorate couldn’t get anyone to listen about housing until it became a media story.