The announced overhaul of New Zealand’s education system is a chance to ensure school leavers are better equipped for the modern workforce, says BusinessNZ. Chief Executive Katherine Rich says NCEA is failing students. “The current system of NCEA is not delivering what students, parents, teachers, or employers need. Change is...
As councils consider their spending and rates decisions for the coming year and as October’s local authority elections draw closer, business groups are calling for greater transparency on how councillors vote. “It is time for councils to make it easier to show how their elected members vote at each meeting...
BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s commitment to reforming resource management laws, based on the principle of the enjoyment of property rights. “The latest announcement on phase 3 reforms is another step in the right direction,” BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said. “Current consenting processes are slow and costly, and projects can...
Changes to Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules will help keep investment and international talent in New Zealand, and attract more. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the existing rules have been a major barrier for foreign investors. “FIF rules have seen high net worth individuals incentivised to leave the country after...
BusinessNZ says a recent amendment to the Crimes Act is likely to cause problems for employers. The amendment makes it a criminal offence for an employer to intentionally not pay wages and entitlements to their employee. Non-payment of wages and entitlements is already an offence under the Employment Relations Act....
BusinessNZ has welcomed the Government’s commitment to better management of the health system. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said a high-functioning health system was critical for enabling New Zealanders to lead healthy, productive lives. “Getting clear targets for things like GP access and elective surgery wait times, getting better value...
Overseas investment overhaul: NZ means business BusinessNZ says the Government’s announcement to reform the Overseas Investment Act sends a positive signal to the world, that New Zealand is ready to do business. Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the old rules made it difficult and uncertain for overseas investors to consider...
BusinessNZ has endorsed the Going for Growth plan released today by the Minister for Economic Growth, outlining actions to be taken or underway to lift economic and productivity growth. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said the proposed reform of taxation, savings and competition policy offered potential for invigorating the economy,...
Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich. “We welcome the next move in the government’s foreign investment strategy to attract high net wealth individuals and their families. Investors bring international business networks, unique skills and expertise...
BusinessNZ welcomes changes to work visas as a step in the right direction, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich. “Removing the requirement to pay the median wage will help relieve cost pressures and distortions that this rule created in the labour market, with international workers commanding a premium over their...
