Business travel through Auckland restricted Business travel through Auckland restricted Monday 15 February Road blocks are being set up around Auckland, preventing non-essential travel from the region for the next three days. Police will patrol eight checkpoints on the outskirts of Auckland and will be stopping vehicles and questioning drivers...

Flexi-wage expansion will lift business confidence, employment The government’s support package to assist businesses in hiring at least 40,000 people impacted by Covid-19 will boost business confidence and get unemployed Kiwis back into work, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. Changes to the flexi-wage programme increase the average amount a...

UK’s CPTPP inclusion would be a win for exporters The UK’s addition to the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) would reduce barriers and give exporters a much-needed boost in the wake of Covid-19, BusinessNZ Network Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. “I expect to see significant gains in both economies...

Is business prepared for 2050? The Climate Change Commission’s advice for reshaping the New Zealand economy should be carefully considered by both Government and business, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. This first package of advice lays out the pathways needed to reach net zero emissions by 2050. “The Commission...

Retention of international skills the right move Visa extensions and a postponed stand down period for low-paid Essential Skills visa holders will help firms retain international skills, BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says. “International workers have enabled New Zealand companies to operate during lockdowns, and ensured our firms have the workforce...

Steady minimum wage rate a reasonable move BusinessNZ is expressing caution on plans to raise the minimum wage next year. The Government has confirmed it will increase the rate to $20 per hour from 1 April 2021. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says Covid-19 has reduced the earning ability of...