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
As an engineer by training, I confirm the wisdom of the saying that when you are in a hole you should stop digging. That is the first step towards formulating a sensible plan for getting out. Read more
This study provides additional reasons why the government should avoid delay in implementing its decision to remove the statutory backing of producer boards. Previous work sponsored by the New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBR) on the consequences of granting export monopolies to producer boards has pointed to inefficiencies associated with the exclusion of competition in export marketing. 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
Focusing on accidents that involve bodily injury, the authors recommend far-reaching reform of New Zealand's accident insurance arrangements. The report deals with insurance market issues, including compensation of the injured and rehabilitation, and puts the case for abandoning state monopoly provision. Read more
This report looks at the theoretical framework of antitrust law and the situation in foreign jurisdictions, it analyses the status quo in New Zealand and makes suggestions for reform of the Commerce Act. Read more
New Zealand farmers have a long history of seeking to control the processing and marketing of agricultural products through cooperatives. An important distinguishing characteristic of these firms is that suppliers of the raw material are also the suppliers of risk capital. Read more
This report was written by Credit Suisse First Boston at the request of the New Zealand Business Roundtable and the New Zealand Food & Beverage Exporters’ Council Inc. These organisations were motivated to commission the report because of the high costs imposed on industry by health, safety and environmental regulations. Read more
This paper discusses the regulation of telecommunications in New Zealand in the context of New Zealand's economic reforms in general and its antitrust regulation in particular. Chapter two comments briefly on New Zealand's economy-wide reforms to date and looks in a little more detail at the broad reform issues ahead. 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
Waitangi, Morality and Reality aims to set the work of the Waitangi Tribunal, along with wider issues of ethnic relations in New Zealand, in a broader perspective than the viewpoint of the actual participants, who are, of course, the entire population of the country. My argument will not appeal to all; indeed, it may not appeal to anyone, but I have tried to open up some of its less obvious dimensions for examination and discussion. 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
It is accepted by policy makers and commentators in New Zealand that the trend towards increased reliance on income support by persons of working age is an undesirable one. There is less agreement about why the problem has arisen and what should be done to remedy the situation. Read more