REPORTS

This paper investigates the use of economic theory by common law judges. I shall begin that inquiry by propounding a gentle paradox. Read more

Crime has increased significantly in New Zealand over the past 20 years. New Zealand now has one of the highest burglary rates in the developed world, higher than the United States, Great Britain or Australia. Read more

The purpose of this study, which was supported by the New Zealand Business Roundtable, is to suggest the guiding principles for the reform of the welfare state. Plainly any such task involves taking a view about the ideal of a free society. Read more

It’s a pleasure to speak to an audience which reflects such a wide cross-section of the business community. In fact one of the most pleasing developments of recent years that has accomplished the resurgence of business in this country has been the resurgence of business organisations. Read more

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Preliminary observations: The brief I accepted in preparing this report was to comment on employment law developments in New Zealand since the Employment Contracts Act 1991 (‘the ECA’) commenced operation on 15 May 1991. The ECA has major political, social, and economic, as well as legal, significance. Read more

There are many aspects of the global picture I might cover with you today. But I would prefer to deal with one particular aspect at length so I propose to talk mainly about why the concept of the United Europe has become a threat to New Zealand, and what we can do about it. Read more

After an introduction like the one delivered by Douglas Myers, sometimes the safest thing to do is to sit down. It has been five and a half years since I last visited here, and I am happy to report that the changes in the mood that I have seen in New Zealand, and in its physical surroundings, have been palpable. Read more

It’s hard not to feel good about the current business environment in New Zealand. Most of us in business today are, for the first time in our lives, part of a successful economy. Read more

This report examines the potential for reforming the water industry. It focuses on mechanisms for allocating water between different uses as well as the institutional arrangements governing businesses that supply water and wastewater services. Read more

The provision and funding of fire services affects every household and firm. Most fire services are currently provided collectively on a national basis. Read more

This study looks at the progress that has been made in improving the contribution of local government to community welfare and identifies areas where improvements still need to be made.  Read more

All parties in the kiwifruit industry are seeking improved profitability, which would contribute to an increase in national income. This is the primary objective of the current industry review which is evaluating options “to maximise the profitability of those in the industry and the net benefits to New Zealand.” Read more

Last month there was a spate of commentaries marking the anniversary of the election of the Labour government in 1984 and reviewing a decade of change in New Zealand. There was overwhelming agreement that the changes were mostly for the better and that the clock would not be turned back. Read more

Unemployment is unacceptably high in New Zealand. Although it is now falling sharply, on the latest figures 8.4 percent of the reported labour force is still without employment. Read more