News & Media - Media Releases

Recent media releases from BusinessNZ.

Border reopening sooner good for business Border reopening sooner good for business BusinessNZ welcomes the Government moving faster on reopening borders earlier than previously indicated, and providing more clarity around immigration settings. The Prime Minister announced the border’s phased reopening would be moved forward from October to July, at today’s...

BusinessNZ has launched a nationwide campaign ‘Your Work, Your Way’, calling on Kiwis to reject compulsory FPAs, and stand up for their right to negotiate their own working conditions and pay directly with their employer. An open letter to the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety has been published today...

Critical staff shortages hamper business and the economy A new report by Sense Partners for BusinessNZ: Labour Market Conditions for Business shows critical worker shortages, record high levels of employment, and record high demand for goods and services, highlighting the need for immigration to start flowing as the border opens....

BusinessNZ says no BusinessNZ has confirmed that it will not accept payments included in the Fair Pay Agreements Bill introduced to Parliament today. Under the terms of the Bill, BusinessNZ would be offered $250,000 a year for supporting compulsory bargaining in major sectors of the economy. But Chief Executive Kirk...

Government’s phone off the hook to FPA concerns Watch: In December, BusinessNZ announced it refuses to be part of the Governments FPA Scheme. BusinessNZ CEO Kirk Hope speaks about the refusal to be part of the unfair and unlawful scheme. Video | Download The Government has taken its phone off...

NZ economy: crosscurrents of risk The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast reveals rising international and domestic risks, making business planning uncertain and fraught. The Forecast for the March 2022 quarter shows inflationary and activity-constricting impacts resulting from international circumstances including the war in Ukraine and ensuing international fuel price rises. The Forecast...

Major gains from FTA New Zealand is set to make major gains with the new free trade agreement with the UK, BusinessNZ says. The FTA, expected to be in force by the end of 2022, will remove almost all tariffs on NZ exports to the UK, which are expected to  increase...

Self-isolation removal good move by Government Removing self-isolation requirements for fully vaccinated international travellers is the right move by Government, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope. “It is a challenging time at the moment as New Zealanders adapt to Omicron in the community, however international travellers do not add significantly...

Omicron support for business welcome BusinessNZ welcomes today’s announcement of financial support for businesses during the Omicron outbreak. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says it’s encouraging to see more support from Government and a signal from the Prime Minister as to when restrictions may begin to ease, once Omicron has...