The Auckland City Council (the Council) is to be commended for the steps that it has taken to concentrate on its core activities, reduce the rate of growth in spending and rates, and lower net debt. The thrust of the Council's policies over the last couple of years has been consistent with those advocated by the Forum in past submissions to the Council. Read more
The proposal to replace appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council with appeals to a domestic Supreme Court is the most important constitutional issue raised in New Zealand since the mixed member proportional (MMP) voting system was introduced following a 1993 referendum.1 A change in New Zealand's final appellate court could have profound consequences for business and future generations of New Zealanders. It has the potential to significantly alter the role of the courts and the public perception of their role, and to alter the relationship between the courts and the political branches of government. Read more
This submission finds much to commend in the Issues Paper, particularly its acknowledgement of the importance of dynamic efficiency; the need for analysis to focus on the long term; and the proper identification of the problem a proposed regulation is intended to solve. Read more
The Status of Redundancy Bill is a Member's Bill arising out of the collapse of the Weddel meatworks and claims by workers who subsequently became unsecured creditors for their redundancy payments. The bill proposes three significant changes to current legislation. Read more
The transport system is a core part of New Zealand's infrastructure. An important role for the government in promoting economic growth is to ensure the transport system is efficient and responsive to users' needs. Read more
In this submission, section 2 reviews the outlook for economic growth in the light of the government's growth targets. Section 3 comments on the government's fiscal strategy in relation to its growth objective. Read more
That submission concluded that there is no good case for early ratification. Action likely to harm the competitiveness of New Zealand businesses for no discernible environmental benefits would be inconsistent with the government's goals for economic growth and its declared concern to pursue business-friendly policies and listen to business views. Read more
The NZBR supports markets as the best mechanism for determining the relative pay rates of New Zealand workers. In our view, a deregulated and flexible labour market is most likely to lead to better labour market outcomes for all New Zealanders. Read more
This comment on the Commerce Commission's final report on airport activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports is made by the New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBR), an organisation comprising primarily chief executives of major New Zealand businesses. The purpose of the organisation is to contribute to the development of sound public policies that reflect overall New Zealand interests. Read more
The Committee last considered climate change policies earlier this year when it had before it the government's National Interest Analysis (NIA). The hearings on the NIA occurred prior to the release on 29 April 2002 of the government's Preferred Policy Package. Read more
The NZBR acknowledges and fully endorses the importance of sound CG practices by public companies and listed issuers. However, we do not believe there is any such thing as "the full universe of CG best practice" alluded to in the Foreword. Read more
The NZBR has taken a close interest in securities market regulation. A recurring theme has been a plea for more rigorous analysis of problems and of the likely efficacy of proposed remedies. Read more
The Auckland City Council (the Council) is to be commended for the steps that it is taking to concentrate on its core activities and reduce the rate of growth in spending and rates. The proposed strategic plan is also better focused and more realistic than the previous strategic plan, The First City of the Pacific, which has justifiably been discarded. Read more
In submissions over the past few years, we have called on the Wellington City Council (the Council) to focus on its core business, exit from other activities and implement more efficient funding arrangements. By focusing on its core activities the Council could cut expenditure and rates, which we believe is an essential step towards making Wellington an attractive place for business. Read more
The New Zealand Business Roundtable submits that the best way for the government to eliminate uncertainty created by the current tariff freeze would be to announce that the programme of tariff reductions in place prior to the freeze is to resume in 2005. Read more