The reasons for repealing the FRA as a separate piece of legislation appear to be symbolic. While this could be seen as a step towards de-emphasising the importance of fiscal responsibility, we think some features of the Bill represent improvements. Read more
This proposed legislation is an ad hoc and backward step for water management, promoting a central planning approach that is out of line with international best practice. Read more
The government's own projections make it clear that New Zealand will not achieve its 'top priority' goal of increasing sustainable growth under current policies. Read more
The New Zealand Business Roundtable supports government moves to reduce tax barriers to international recruitment, but would like to see more attention paid to keeping wealth-producing New Zealand. Read more
The proposals discussed in the report entail a substantial erosion of private property rights which is detrimental to prosperity. Land-based industries, such as farming and forestry, and tourism are directly affected. Read more
The NZBR and its members have a major stake in the performance of the legal profession and the legal system. Large businesses are major users of legal services, both for advice and litigation. Read more
The measures in the Bill are inconsistent with the government's prime economic objective - securing faster economic growth. Read more
This submission analyses how the ADR comes to its mistaken conclusions. It focuses on its policy framework and on the cost benefit analysis that underlies the claim that $71.25m net benefits by confusing consumer benefits with efficiency gains. Read more
Property rights, including Maori customary rights, are at the heart of the issue of ownership of the foreshore and seabed. Read more
Under part 3 of the Telecommunications Act 2001. the Telecommunications Commissioner is annually required to determine the net cost to Telecom New Zealand (Telecom) of services provided under the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) Deed for Local Residential Telephone Service 2001. Read more
This submission provides a high-level assessment of the Holidays Bill and the Holidays (Four Weeks Annual Leave) Amendment Bill. In particular, it examines broad issues relating to the regulation of holidays in a modern and diverse labour market. Read more
The present electricity crisis demonstrates that too many of the government's policies are incompatible with its stated priority of economic growth. Read more
A core issue in relation to all the proposals is whether or to what extent the NZX and the government (directly or via the Securities Commission) should prescribe corporate governance rules or whether they should be the business of shareholders who invest in listed companies. Read more
The only hope of achieving consensus and stability on retirement income is to build policies on a sound conceptual foundation. Policies in the recent past lacked such a foundation and proved unsustainable. Read more
In past submissions we have called on the Wellington City Council (the Council) to focus on its core business of providing local public goods and undertaking regulatory functions conferred on it by central government. We have urged it to exit from commercial activities and review its provision of and/or funding of club goods such as the libraries, the zoo and swimming pools. Read more