The analysis in the Paper fails to distinguish between profits that arise from successful cost cutting, investment and innovation and profits that arise from the abuse of a monopoly position. Read more
The NZBR fully supports a policy of user charges for government-provided goods and services where purchases are voluntary, supply is subject to competition and the government chooses not to privatise the government provider. As long as supply is on a competitively neutral basis, such user charges can be thought of as a price that tracks marginal cost and reflects marginal user valuations. Read more
The main features of the bill are summarised in the appendix to this submission. The explanatory notes to the bill assert that energy efficiency measures are the least-cost way that New Zealand can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Read more
The NZBR welcome the key reform set out in the Bill. Opening up the Employers' Account to competition is a step in the direction that the NZBR has advocated since 1987. Read more
In broad terms the argument for raising the adult and youth statutory minimum wage rates is that it would increase the incomes of low-wage employees and produce a fairer distribution of income. People higher up the wage scale may also enjoy smaller wage gains as a consequence of increased demand for substitutes for low-productivity labour. Read more
The discussion document highlights certain disquieting aspects of New Zealand society, including a high and growing rate of dependency on welfare benefits among working-age people, a high level of families at risk, high levels of sole parenthood, disturbing rates of child abuse and neglect, and low levels of educational achievement of many children. Read more
The NZBR agrees that heritage management is in need of review. Current policies appear to lack a sound rationale. Read more
This submission comments on the Discussion Document. The NZBR does not believe that the Discussion Document makes a convincing case for increasing penalties for breaches of the Commerce Act. Read more
Efficient capital markets lie at the heart of the private enterprise system. Their regulation, including the role and effectiveness of regulatory agencies, is a significant public policy issue. Read more
In our view, the economic strategy unveiled in the 1998 Budget Policy Statement (BPS) is risky to the point of imprudence. It is putting the fiscal position, the country's credit rating and the economy at risk. Read more
The NZBR believes that substantial efficiency gains can be achieved by reforming the management of the roading system. It has therefore supported the work on these issues undertaken by the government. Read more
The review of tertiary education provides an opportunity to advance policy affecting an important sector of the economy. The government should only intervene where the benefits from doing so exceed the costs. Read more
The NZBR believes membership of students associations should be voluntary and supports the general thrust of the bill. We do not wish to comment on its detailed provisions. Read more
The NZBR welcomes the review of holidays legislation. The current legislation is a source of inconvenience and cost to employers and employees. Read more
Under Section 5 of the Minimum Wage Act, the Minister of Labour is required to review the minimum wage rate(s) prescribed under the Act each year. This is the NZBR's submission to the 1997 review of the minimum wage. Read more