First, a word on the budget. Budget 2026 was a realistic and sensible response to the economic and fiscal pressures facing New Zealand. There were a number of positive measures for business, including greater funding for trades training, infrastructure projects, education, health, defence and further signalled regulatory reform in areas...
I have just returned from Delhi, where ExportNZ’s Josh Tan and I were proud to be part of a 40-strong BusinessNZ-coordinated delegation supporting the NZ government, as Trade Minister Hon. Todd McClay signed the New Zealand–India Free Trade Agreement. This is a landmark deal for our exporters, opening up significant...
Will you back the deal? Since the last issue of the AdvocacyUpdate, BusinessNZ has been flat out supporting members through the fuel disruption, sharing timely information and practical guidance as the situation has evolved. CEOs from our Major Companies Group tell me they valued the recent briefing with the Prime...
Keeping you across the Issues All members will be aware of the Government’s release of a fuel plan on fuel security, reflecting growing global uncertainty. The BusinessNZ Network has taken a measured and methodical approach to making sure we do all we can to support members as this issue develops....
Deputy CEO Phil Love and I have just returned from visiting several BusinessNZ members in Sydney. Getting out to see members in their workplace is always invigorating. It keeps our advocacy grounded in the realities members face and sparks new ideas on where we can add value. That connection to...
As we head into another pivotal election this year, I am constantly reminded by one simple but repeating message: strong businesses are essential to a strong New Zealand. Across manufacturing, services, food and grocery, standards, employment and energy, we’re seeing both encouraging momentum as well as serious challenges in the...
As we round out the year, there is significant momentum across several areas that matter to business in New Zealand. The Government’s long-awaited RMA reform is finally on the table, and the latest Planning Forecast from BusinessNZ shows early signs of economic recovery, though it’s clear the coming decade will...
Recent changes across transport, immigration, education, and vocational reform are due to effective advocacy. Whether it’s scaling back unworkable clean car penalties, opening new multi-year visa pathways, or lifting achievement through a revamped curriculum, these changes are creating a more predictable environment for business. Read on for more information on...
Policy changes, some incremental, some bold, continue to berolled out in support of a better business environment.BusinessNZ’s recent advocacy has been aimed at enhancedpublic sector efficiency, restraint in council spending, moreaccurate seismic protection, and beefed-up vocationalsubjects in secondary schooling – all areas that have thepotential to contribute to higher growth....
BusinessNZ recent advocacy has focused on NZ’s ability to export goods and services and import needed skills – including NZ exporters’ performance in the face of US tariff moves, and the potential for new international visas to fill staffing gaps in seasonal industries. Proposals to improve councils’ consenting of new...
