This submission analyses how the ADR comes to its mistaken conclusions. It focuses on its policy framework and on the cost benefit analysis that underlies the claim that $71.25m net benefits by confusing consumer benefits with efficiency gains. Read more
Property rights, including Maori customary rights, are at the heart of the issue of ownership of the foreshore and seabed. Read more
Under part 3 of the Telecommunications Act 2001. the Telecommunications Commissioner is annually required to determine the net cost to Telecom New Zealand (Telecom) of services provided under the Telecommunications Service Obligations (TSO) Deed for Local Residential Telephone Service 2001. Read more
This submission provides a high-level assessment of the Holidays Bill and the Holidays (Four Weeks Annual Leave) Amendment Bill. In particular, it examines broad issues relating to the regulation of holidays in a modern and diverse labour market. Read more
The present electricity crisis demonstrates that too many of the government's policies are incompatible with its stated priority of economic growth. Read more
A core issue in relation to all the proposals is whether or to what extent the NZX and the government (directly or via the Securities Commission) should prescribe corporate governance rules or whether they should be the business of shareholders who invest in listed companies. Read more
The only hope of achieving consensus and stability on retirement income is to build policies on a sound conceptual foundation. Policies in the recent past lacked such a foundation and proved unsustainable. Read more
In past submissions we have called on the Wellington City Council (the Council) to focus on its core business of providing local public goods and undertaking regulatory functions conferred on it by central government. We have urged it to exit from commercial activities and review its provision of and/or funding of club goods such as the libraries, the zoo and swimming pools. Read more
The Auckland City Council (the Council) is to be commended for the steps that it has taken to concentrate on its core activities, reduce the rate of growth in spending and rates, and lower net debt. The thrust of the Council's policies over the last couple of years has been consistent with those advocated by the Forum in past submissions to the Council. Read more
The proposal to replace appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council with appeals to a domestic Supreme Court is the most important constitutional issue raised in New Zealand since the mixed member proportional (MMP) voting system was introduced following a 1993 referendum.1 A change in New Zealand's final appellate court could have profound consequences for business and future generations of New Zealanders. It has the potential to significantly alter the role of the courts and the public perception of their role, and to alter the relationship between the courts and the political branches of government. Read more
This submission finds much to commend in the Issues Paper, particularly its acknowledgement of the importance of dynamic efficiency; the need for analysis to focus on the long term; and the proper identification of the problem a proposed regulation is intended to solve. Read more
The Status of Redundancy Bill is a Member's Bill arising out of the collapse of the Weddel meatworks and claims by workers who subsequently became unsecured creditors for their redundancy payments. The bill proposes three significant changes to current legislation. Read more
The transport system is a core part of New Zealand's infrastructure. An important role for the government in promoting economic growth is to ensure the transport system is efficient and responsive to users' needs. Read more
In this submission, section 2 reviews the outlook for economic growth in the light of the government's growth targets. Section 3 comments on the government's fiscal strategy in relation to its growth objective. Read more
That submission concluded that there is no good case for early ratification. Action likely to harm the competitiveness of New Zealand businesses for no discernible environmental benefits would be inconsistent with the government's goals for economic growth and its declared concern to pursue business-friendly policies and listen to business views. Read more