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Compulsory students’ association membership (CSM), as opposed to voluntary students’ association membership (VSM), is an anachronism. Students’ associations are incorporated societies formed by members with common interests and are akin to the Automobile Association, the Consumers' Institute, staff associations and sporting clubs. Read more
In our view, issues relating to Part 9 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 need to be seen in the context of the government’s overriding goal of lifting average New Zealand incomes to Australian levels by 2025. To achieve that goal, major improvements in labour productivity growth are required, given the staggering decline in recent productivity growth rates with the ill-conceived policies of the previous government. Read more
While improved governance arrangements for Auckland are a commendable first step, the Forum believes that much work remains if local government is to contribute fully to lifting overall economic performance. Broader reform of local government, which the government is progressing separately, can assist. Read more
Recent events show that the international climate change context is less certain than previously anticipated. We think that the current emissions trading scheme is too rigid and may in fact frustrate the delivery of the outcomes sought from it. Read more
Stand on the shoulders of science identifies opportunities to lift New Zealand’s economic prosperity through improving performance of the innovation ecosystem. Innovation is the key driver of prosperity of advanced economies. Read more
In a speech about New Zealand’s accident compensation scheme in 1996 I said, “The country was sold a pup which has turned into a pitbull terrier that mauls everyone it comes in contact with – accident victims, employers and politicians alike.” ACC minister Dr Nick Smith is just the last of a long line of ministers to inherit a scheme in financial crisis. There have been endless reviews of ACC since its inception. Read more
A national interest perspective in the context of the Law Commissions’ inquiry means giving primacy to the interests of consumers. In respect of alcohol, it does not, as in the days of pervasive controls on competition in the liquor industry, mean favouring producer interests. Read more
The Business Roundtable appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the thinking of your Taskforce. We strongly support the government’s goal of bridging the income gap with Australia by 2025. Read more
In our view the general context in which policy related to the Telecommunications Services Obligation (TSO) should be set is the government’s goal of closing the per capita income gap with Australia by 2025. Achieving that goal will require a sustained commitment to the adoption of institutions and policies of the highest order. Read more
Preparations for the 2010 budget will be underway in government circles. The 2010 Budget Policy Statement, which sets out the broad parameters, is due in December. Read more