Submissions

The NZBR supports markets as the best mechanism for determining the relative pay rates of New Zealand workers. In our view, a deregulated and flexible labour market is most likely to lead to better labour market outcomes for all New Zealanders. Read more

This comment on the Commerce Commission's final report on airport activities at Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch International Airports is made by the New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBR), an organisation comprising primarily chief executives of major New Zealand businesses. The purpose of the organisation is to contribute to the development of sound public policies that reflect overall New Zealand interests. Read more

The Committee last considered climate change policies earlier this year when it had before it the government's National Interest Analysis (NIA). The hearings on the NIA occurred prior to the release on 29 April 2002 of the government's Preferred Policy Package. Read more

The NZBR acknowledges and fully endorses the importance of sound CG practices by public companies and listed issuers. However, we do not believe there is any such thing as "the full universe of CG best practice" alluded to in the Foreword. Read more

The NZBR has taken a close interest in securities market regulation. A recurring theme has been a plea for more rigorous analysis of problems and of the likely efficacy of proposed remedies. Read more

The Auckland City Council (the Council) is to be commended for the steps that it is taking to concentrate on its core activities and reduce the rate of growth in spending and rates. The proposed strategic plan is also better focused and more realistic than the previous strategic plan, The First City of the Pacific, which has justifiably been discarded. Read more

In submissions over the past few years, we have called on the Wellington City Council (the Council) to focus on its core business, exit from other activities and implement more efficient funding arrangements. By focusing on its core activities the Council could cut expenditure and rates, which we believe is an essential step towards making Wellington an attractive place for business. Read more

The New Zealand Business Roundtable submits that the best way for the government to eliminate uncertainty created by the current tariff freeze would be to announce that the programme of tariff reductions in place prior to the freeze is to resume in 2005. Read more

Broadly, the proposed changes are aimed at extending coverage of the HSE Act, encouraging employee/union participation in workplace health and safety and strengthening the enforcement provisions of the Act. Read more

In this submission, we do not undertake a clause-by-clause analysis of the TERB, but identify a number of wider policy reforms that would help achieve the goals being sought by the government through the TERB. Read more

The NZBR does not support the proposed PPL Bill. There are a number of reasons for this, which are discussed in this submission. Read more

A thorough revision of the Local Government Act 1974 (the Act) is warranted. The new act must, however, be based on sound principles. Read more

From the viewpoint of New Zealanders' living standards, the most important commitment the government has made is to restore New Zealand to the top half of the OECD income rankings. It has also stated a goal of achieving a 3 percent unemployment rate. Read more

We believe that ratification would have far-reaching and harmful implications for economic activity in new Zealand, and for the standards of New Zealanders. It would put the competitiveness of many major industries at risk, yet any environmental benefits arising from the protocol would be barely discernible. Read more

Australia is by far the most important destination for direct investment by New Zealanders. Balance of Payments statistics indicate that Australia accounted for 64 percent of total direct investment abroad by New Zealanders over the last five years (see the attached Appendix). Read more