BusinessNZ congratulates the Infrastructure Minister for his commitment to building consensus. BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says the Minister’s address to the infrastructure community today reflected the strong desire by business for more bipartisanship in infrastructure. “The Minister’s commitments to an independent National Infrastructure Plan, the use of independent agencies...
The Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement (TTRMA) – which aims to remove regulatory barriers between Australia and New Zealand and facilitate trade across the Tasman – is now 20 years old. The TTMRA helps to increase transparency in trading arrangements and reduce compliance costs for businesses on both sides of the...
BusinessNZ is supportive of the consultation on work health and safety announced today by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety. BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard says the BusinessNZ Network requested a review because of significant concerns among the business community about the level of workplace accidents and environmental harms,...
The Government’s steps to make it easier for overseas investment are a good start but more, fundamental change is required, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope. “New Zealand currently has one of the most restrictive regimes in the OECD when it comes to overseas investment, and moves toward a more...
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope today announced he has resigned from his role and will finish with BusinessNZ on 6 September 2024. “I have led BusinessNZ for nine years through a period of growth, consolidation and unprecedented change and believe the time is right to pass the baton to a...
BusinessNZ says Budget 2024 shows a responsible approach to spending in areas that have the potential to significantly improve New Zealand’s economic growth. Chief Executive Kirk Hope says given the fiscal situation New Zealand finds itself in, the Government will need to be rigorous in its pursuit of keeping expenditure...
BusinessNZ is congratulating the Minister of Climate Change for his work in achieving cross-party consensus for a way forward on climate adaptation. The political parties have agreed to a select committee inquiry into climate adaptation to develop guiding objectives and principles for an adaptation framework and to work out the...
BusinessNZ welcomes the introduction of the Fast-Track Approvals Bill and its referral to the Environment Select Committee for public submissions, but says resourcing of the expert panel is critical to achieving its objective. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says New Zealand is in desperate need of further infrastructure development to...
The Government’s policy statement on transport indicates a long-term vision, BusinessNZ says. BusinessNZ Advocacy Director Catherine Beard said the Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport showed a sound approach to funding and appropriate long-term thinking. “The GPS indicates a longer-term intention to move away from fuel taxes, towards a...
BusinessNZ supports the repealing of the Business Payment Practices Act. “BusinessNZ is instead working with its large business group to develop a voluntary code to ensure small businesses are paid on a timely basis,” BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said. Mr Hope says there is a continuing problem of some...
