Source: BusinessNZ — Given the political, economic, and fiscal constraints facing the New Zealand economy, Budget 2026 is fiscally responsible, BusinessNZ says. Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the Government has approached this year’s Budget with a restrained, real-world lens. “BusinessNZ wanted to see a Budget which delivered a credible, long-term economic...
Source: BusinessNZ — BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s Budget 2026 investment of $131.1 million into compulsory education, saying the package reinforces the importance of strong foundational learning for New Zealand’s long-term economic future. BusinessNZ Director of Education, Skills and Immigration Rachel Simpson says meaningful education reform requires resourcing and ensuring teachers have...
Source: BusinessNZ — Changes to the Active Investor Plus visa settings mean charitable contributions of up to $1 million will qualify as part of an applicant’s minimum $5 million investment in New Zealand. BusinessNZ says the move will strengthen public confidence in foreign investment by broadening the benefits beyond economic outcomes...
Source: BusinessNZ — BusinessNZ says changes to plant variety rights (PVR) should ensure more of the value created by New Zealand science and ingenuity stays here, to drive innovation, lift export returns and support long-term economic growth. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says at a time when our country must find new ways to...
Source: BusinessNZ — Proposed changes to agricultural, horticultural and veterinary product regulation will slash red tape, improve productivity and innovation across the primary sector, and be a comfort for pet owners across the country, BusinessNZ says. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says streamlining approval pathways and reducing unnecessary duplication should help...
BusinessNZ welcomes the Labour Party’s public support for the NZ-India Free Trade Deal, saying it represents our best chance to secure meaningful access to one of the world’s most important growth markets. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says trade has long been a strength of New Zealand’s economic policy, and...
The BusinessNZ Network and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to back the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, warning the country cannot afford to miss a major economic opportunity. An open letter published today and signed by 28 exporters and industry associations outlines the significance of getting the deal across the line as global uncertainty, rising protectionism and...
BusinessNZ welcomes New Zealand’s first City Deal as a long-overdue step toward unlocking economic growth, through better coordinated infrastructure planning and delivery. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the agreement for Auckland signals a shift toward more constructive collaboration between central and local government. “Developing world-class cities requires long-term thinking,...
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill will help restore balance, certainty and common sense to New Zealand’s employment framework, BusinessNZ says. Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard says the Bill, which passed its third reading last night, addresses real-world issues facing employers and workers, and supports a more flexible and confident economy....
BusinessNZ welcomes the announcement by Minister Scott Simpson that Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand have reached an agreement whereby joint standards will be properly funded and there will no longer be commissioning fees for New Zealand industry for the development of joint Standards. BusinessNZ Director of Advocacy Catherine Beard...
