NZ economy slowdown International and domestic factors are contributing to a slowing economy, according to the latest BusinessNZ Planning Forecast. The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the September 2019 quarter shows the New Zealand economy growing at a slower rate than previously forecast, and slowing indicators in key sectors. BusinessNZ Chief...
Immigration changes a boost for regional New Zealand Regional New Zealand will benefit most from changes to employer-assisted visa settings, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. Immigration policy changes that will introduce a pre-assessment for employers, improve access to immigration for regions with low unemployment and put in place sector...
Productivity Commission correct on funding fairness BusinessNZ says the Productivity Commission brings a common-sense approach to the funding of local government. Local Government faces a number of funding issues surrounding the provision of new infrastructure growth, dealing with upgrades in rural communities and coping with the demands of increased tourism...
Businesses set to benefit from training investment Additional funding to support employer-led training initiatives in literacy and numeracy is welcomed by BusinessNZ, Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. “It is great to see the Government partnering with industry to provide much-needed skill development for those in the workplace.” Mr Hope says...
Smooth transition key to successful vocational education reform The reform of vocational education will need to be carefully managed to ensure there continues to be a skills pipeline for industry, BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says. The changes to vocational training – the creation of a New Zealand Institute of...
RMA shakeup long overdue A shakeup of the Resource Management System is a big step in the right direction, BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope says. “This is a great chance to move towards improved environmental, economic and social wellbeing outcomes.” Mr Hope says Resource Reform New Zealand (Employers and Manufacturers...
Increased support for innovation Moves to broaden R&D tax incentives for more businesses have been welcomed by BusinessNZ. The Government has announced a tax incentive for investment in research and development by companies that have yet to make a profit. A rebate up to the level of their payroll tax...
More focus needed on business with Asia This year’s Perceptions of Asia report demonstrates the importance of business links between New Zealand and Asia, says BusinessNZ. The latest survey by the Asia New Zealand Foundation shows nearly half of all New Zealanders have travelled to or lived in Asia and...
Fair Pay Agreements not suitable for New Zealand BusinessNZ endorses the New Zealand Initiative’s report Why Fair Pay Agreements would be bad for labour, and agrees that compulsory sector-wide bargaining would not be a suitable system for New Zealand. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says the report accords with the...
ILO centenary celebrated in NZ Businesses, unions and the Government today celebrate and the centenary of the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The ILO was set up as a result of the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 that ended World War I and created the League of Nations, now the United...
