News & Media

Planning for low-emissions economy BusinessNZ has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s report on moving to a low‑emissions economy. Chief Executive Kirk Hope says the Commission has taken stock of the challenges involved and built on the evidence base to support the case for action. “The Commission points out that the sooner...

In a previous column, I wrote that in recalibrating pace and priorities, the Government should be looking at policy that will provide sustainable, inclusive growth and high-quality jobs that lead to higher incomes and make New Zealanders better off....

BusinessNZ welcomes new Business Advisory Council BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope has welcomed today’s announcement of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Council as a commitment by the Government to listen to business. The role of the Council will be to build closer relationships between Government and business. “When business is...

Businesses like certainty. It gives them the courage and confidence to invest, hire, and to help create a successful New Zealand. But we are living in uncertain times, both at home and internationally....
Low pay continues to be a matter of much debate. A recent column here suggesting New Zealand is not a low wage economy drew hundreds of comments, both in agreement and against. Evidence would suggest we are not a low-wage economy. But it's true that we do have a number...

BusinessNZ welcomes microcredentials A micro-credential system introduced by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority will help ensure that New Zealand businesses can access employees with the skills they need in a world that is rapidly changing, says BusinessNZ. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope has welcomed the flexibility and innovation that micro-credentials...

The problem with myths is that, left unchecked, they become accepted as fact. We can all think of some - eggs are bad for you, carrots improve night vision. Much of the well-meaning commentary that New Zealand is a low-wage economy runs the risk of falling in the same trap:...
A faster way of hiring overseas construction workers is a welcome, timely and pragmatic decision. The government is consulting on a plan to allow construction companies to use a streamlined process for importing workers from overseas if they find that no New Zealand workers are available....

Campaign on council funding welcomed A better system for funding local government is essential for our economic future, says BusinessNZ. Chief Executive Kirk Hope has welcomed the Local Government Business Forum’s campaign for a better system of funding councils. “Many councils have funding and debt pressures that prevent them from...

Health & safety improving – survey New health and safety legislation is helping businesses become safer, but more work is still needed, says BusinessNZ. Deloitte has surveyed a range of New Zealand businesses to find what has changed since the passing of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015....