Search

The NZBR has taken a close interest in electricity sector reform issues over the past 15 years. We have strongly supported moves to put the industry on a more conventional commercial footing, subject to only light-handed regulation. Read more

Over the past two decades, economic policies across the world, and economic systems with them, have changed their character, their complexion. To an extent that few anticipated before the event, a large and growing array of governments have adopted measures, and in some cases whole programmes, with the intention and the effect of making their economies freer, more open and less regulated: both individually and in concert, they have taken the path of economic reform. Read more

In the NZBR's view the Coalition government's 1997 and 1998 budgets were risky to the point of imprudence. The Asian crisis has merely served to expose dramatically the underlying weaknesses in fiscal and growth strategies adopted during the last and current parliamentary terms. The present weak and unbalanced state of the New Zealand economy (with a large current account deficit) owes much to inadequate fiscal discipline. 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

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

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 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

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

MINISTERS OF THE CROWN, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. It is my very pleasant duty to welcome you here this evening on behalf of the New Zealand Business Roundtable. Read more