A key weakness in the Plan is the absence of a valid analysis of the proper role of the public sector and, in particular, that of territorial local government. The role of government at any level differs from that of the private sector . Read more
The proposed building has received much attention in the media and a petition opposing it has attracted almost 200,000 signatures. In this submission, we suggest that there are several issues with the proposal and that they should be considered by the committee. Read more
The Council can most efficiently contribute to the welfare of citizens in Wellington by focusing on its core objectives, existing non-core activities, and keeping its rate and regulatory burdens as low as possible. In our view, the Council is not sufficiently focused on these objectives. Read more
The key weakness in the Strategy is the absence of a valid analysis of the proper role of the government and, in particular, that of regional government. The role of government at any level differs from that of the private sector. Read more
To secure a viable future, the industries covered by the Bill must match the rates of improvements in innovation and productivity of other sectors in a better performing economy. Otherwise, they will lack profitability and be unable to compete successfully for resources. Read more
The New Zealand Business Roundtable supports the underlying principles of the Bill, namely that it is in the public interest to detect and prevent serious wrongdoing wherever it occurs. However, the likely effects of fundamental changes of the kind proposed in the Bill must be carefully researched and their application considered in the widest possible context before such legislation is contemplated. Read more
The fiscal strategy outlined in the 1997 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) is, in our view, inconsistent with the government's objectives for economic growth and international competitiveness. We submit that if New Zealand is to achieve its potential, an economic strategy involving substantial reductions in government spending and taxation, flatter tax rates, an active privatisation programme and further deregulation is required. Read more
In 1996 parliament passed legislation to give effect to the government's tax reduction and social policy programme. The programme provided for a reduction in personal rates of tax in July 1996 and 1997, increases in family support and guaranteed minimum family income (GMFI), and the introduction of an independent family tax credit for low and middle income families that earn market incomes. Read more
The present review should build on the Laking reforms in establishing an efficient regulatory framework that is appropriate for the 21st century. Read more
This submission on the Working Group on CO2 Policy’s June 1996 discussion document Climate Change and CO2 Policy (the Document) is made by the New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBR), an organisation of chief executives of major New Zealand business firms. The NZBR’s purpose is to contribute to the development of sound public policies that reflect overall New Zealand interests. Read more
This submission first outlines the harmful effects of minimum wages and the considers the reasons advanced in June 1995 by the Department of Labour in favour of increasing the minimum wage. An annex considers studies of the employment impact of the minimum wage in the US and the conflicting conclusions drawn from them. Read more
The comments in this submission are based on the view that the key reform objective should be to increase economic efficiency. This is not to ignore other considerations. Read more
This submission is presented in five sections: does the draft plan meet the requirements of the Act?, expenditure and revenue, other issues, the strategic plan, and concluding comment. Read more
This submission starts by describing the principles that local authorities should observe when deciding on the functions they will undertake. It proceeds to examine a number of the Council's functions in the light of those principles, and shows that the Council should discontinue, or modify the form of, it's involvement. Read more
Fiscal matters will be among the most important issues to be addressed by the government over the next few years. An improving fiscal outlook will provide considerable scope to reduce taxes once net debt is reduced to a prudent level. Read more