We’re excited to be giving away two copies of Uncomfortable Economics by David Schnauer to our GrownUps members!
To be in the draw, simply make sure you’re a GrownUps member, signed up to our newsletter, and fill in your details at the bottom of the page.
About Uncomfortable Economics
A book all New Zealanders should read ahead of the 2026 election. Former lawyer David Schnauer will spark many debates with his thought-provoking book, which is a call to action for anyone who cares about our future.
New Zealand once ranked among the world’s most prosperous nations. Not any longer. Why has our economic performance lagged behind countries we once outpaced? And what will it take to reverse the decline?
In Uncomfortable Economics, David Schnauer shows that New Zealand’s underperformance is not inevitable. It is the result of choices — cultural and political — that can be changed.
Looking beyond election cycles and short-term fixes, he calls for a renewed national focus on savings, housing, public debt, productivity and long-term policy discipline. He challenges both politicians and citizens to lift their sights and demand more from our economy.
Bold, readable and politically independent, Uncomfortable Economics is a call to action for anyone who cares about New Zealand’s future.
Author Note
‘Uncomfortable Economics explores two connected challenges. The first is societal: Kiwis need to develop a heightened focus on building a successful economy. They need to care as much about New Zealand building a winning economy as they care about the All Blacks winning on the sports field. The book discusses how to lift the importance Kiwis attach to economic progress, work, and wealth creation.
The second challenge is political: the policy settings required to support long-term growth. No longer can New Zealand’s politicians avoid the hard decisions they have ducked for decades. Unaffordable superannuation and healthcare; inadequate institutional savings; overpriced houses; banking and tax policies which penalise the real economy; chronic government deficits. In Part 2, the book lays bare the shortcomings of present policies and suggests constructive alternatives. Positive suggestions for change are surely needed in election year 2026.’
About the Author
David is a retired lawyer with degrees in law and economics. He and his wife Patricia established and ran Schnauer and Co, a successful law firm on Auckland’s North Shore, for 25 years. Between them they have four children and seven grandchildren.
A fourth-generation Aucklander and proud New Zealander, David has spent much of his life frustrated by his country’s economic underperformance. That frustration, and a genuine belief that New Zealand can do better, led him to write this book. An occasional newspaper columnist, he offers here a set of positive, long-term policies aimed at lifting New Zealand’s economic performance over the next 75 years.
In his view, the challenge is not identifying what needs to change. It is finding the political and societal courage to do it.
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Terms and conditions
You must be a GrownUps member and subscribed to our newsletter to be eligible to enter.
The competition closes on 29th July 2026. Winners will be notified via email by 30th July 2026.
It is your responsibility to provide a correct New Zealand postal address for prize delivery. GrownUps is not responsible for prizes sent to incorrect addresses.
Winners will be drawn at random by the GrownUps administration team.
GrownUps employees and their immediate families are not eligible to enter.
By entering, you agree to GrownUps using your name on social media as a winner of the competition.
One entry per household.
The prize is non-transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash or other items.
You must reside in New Zealand, as the prize can only be delivered within New Zealand.
You must be over 50 years of age to enter. Please ensure your membership details are up to date in your dashboard.
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