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,...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
The Government’s introduction of two Bills to replace the current Resource Management Act (RMA) is transformational and should result in fewer consents required to unlock development while protecting what matters, BusinessNZ says. Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the next step will be securing broad support for the changes, which will...
Employment Bill brings long-sought clarity