Uncomfortable Economics, David Schnauer
Published by Mary Egan Publishing
21 July 2026
Paperback, 196pp, RRP $40.00
ISBN: 978-1-991436-08-5
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
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.
David Schnauer is available for interview. Extracts and images are available on request.
Media contact: Karen McKenzie, Lighthouse PR
Email: karen@lighthousepr.co.nz
Mobile: 027 693 9044