GST move levels playing field for NZ businesses Plans for applying GST to imported low-value goods would level the playing field between overseas and domestic retailers and help make New Zealand’s tax system consistent with other countries, says BusinessNZ. Under the proposed plan, from October 2019 offshore providers of all...

Plan for investment in innovation BusinessNZ says proposals for R&D tax credits could help more New Zealand companies innovate. The Government is seeking feedback on a plan to allow qualifying companies to claim back 12.5% of their spending on research and development. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the proposal...

Climate committee shows balance BusinessNZ has welcomed the announcement of the Interim Climate Change Committee. Chief Executive Kirk Hope says BusinessNZ member companies look forward to working with the committee as it makes decisions that will be critical for New Zealand’s future. “Key decisions include how and when agriculture enters...

Business impacted by oil and gas ban BusinessNZ says banning new petroleum and gas exploration will have significant implications for New Zealand business. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the Government’s decision to continue to recognise existing permits was important, as doing otherwise would have had a potentially devastating effect...

Employment changes not good for flexibility, productivity BusinessNZ says proposed changes to employment law should be carefully scrutinised to ensure the strengths of the current employment relations framework are not lost. Submissions on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill closed today and the legislation will now be analysed by the Education...

Employment Bill consultation closing BusinessNZ urges businesses to make a submission on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill before the closing date of Good Friday. The Bill introduces changes to the Employment Relations Act to support collective bargaining and the role of unions in the workplace. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope...

Intelligent transport potential for New Zealand Self-driving cars, smart cities and drones could be an emerging success story for New Zealand, if the potential for the growth of the intelligent transport sector here is identified, harnessed and developed. Technology in transport can be used to solve problems in practical ways...