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New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development

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OUR MISSION & AIMS Our Mission To provide business leadership as a catalyst for change toward sustainable development, and to promote eco-efficiency, innovation and responsible entrepreneurship. Our Aims Our aims and strategic directions, based on our mission include: Business leadership - to be the leading business advocate on issues connected with sustainable development. Policy development - to participate in policy development in order to create a framework that allows business to contribute effectively to sustainable development. Best practice - to demonstrate business progress in environmental and resource management and corporate social responsibility and to share leading-edge practices among our members. Global outreach - to contribute to a sustainable future for developing nations and nations in transition. www.nzbcsd.org.nz/ ShapeNZ is run by the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development. The Business Council researches policy options which it then advocates to Government and other decision makers. Your responses to our surveys will directly help shape our recommendations. www.shapenz.org.nz

Joined April 2008
7,680 profile views
News Images
Traffic 30 Apr 2011
New research shows fast lane fees could significantly cut congestion

New research conducted in the past 10 days shows the introduction of fees to use some roads at peak hours could see 11% of commuters opt to car pool and cause a big switch to public transport.

464 views

Motoring 26 Apr 2011
Raft of new approaches advised to cope with coming growth-generated congestion

Some 66% of New Zealanders now do not believe it is possible to eliminate congestion by building more roads and motorways.

413 views

Transport 23 Apr 2011
Coming freight volumes will make fast lane charges unavoidable

The volume of freight being moved within New Zealand will need to grow by about 70 to 75% during the next three decades just to maintain current economic growth rates, a development which surprises 75% of New Zealanders.

528 views

Business 8 Mar 2011
Three out of top five sustainable brands are Business Council members

Business Council members Ecostore, Toyota and Meridian are three of the top five New Zealand sustainable brands according to the recent Colmar Brunton Survey.

576 views

Business 5 Feb 2011
Research report urges greater business role in setting social investment priorities

A major research project finds business can play a greater role in setting priorities for New Zealand’s social investment spending.

459 views

Migration 1 Oct 2010
Environment playing the most important role in attracting migrants

More migrants to New Zealand are being attracted to the place they are now living by the environment.

538 views

Transport 24 Sep 2010
Aucklanders most want a second harbour crossing

AUCKLAND — Aucklanders most want a second harbour crossing when asked to set priorities for four major projects being discussed by candidates for the new super city council.

528 views

Council 22 Sep 2010
New Zealanders want councils to use public-private funding for major new infrastructure projects

New Zealanders want their local councils to use Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) – provided they own the assets once they are paid for - to fund faster infrastructure development.

472 views

News 20 Sep 2010
New Zealanders say crime, inefficiency most negatively affecting their lives

New Zealanders say that crime and inefficiencies in local government are the main issues having a negative impact on where they live.

420 views

Council 19 Sep 2010
Aucklanders have low expectations of new super city

AUCKLAND — Incoming leaders of New Zealand’s first super city may be relieved that Aucklanders have low expectations of their new council’s performance.

415 views

Business 17 Sep 2010
More businesses backing quake recovery

CANTERBURY — Evidence continues to mount of businesses helping the community, staff and each other to cope with the major Canterbury earthquake.

473 views

Earthquakes 14 Sep 2010
Business playing vital support role in quake recovery

CHRISTCHURCH — Businesses have a role to support each other through the Canterbury earthquake recovery, hold onto staff wherever possible and support the community.

486 views

Manufacturing 23 Aug 2010
Eco labels and the right information have mass market appeal

Sellers using eco-labels backed with the right information could make as many as 85% of New Zealanders more likely to buy a product.

466 views

Politics 10 Aug 2010
Voters: If there is to be electoral reform – do it faster

More than half of New Zealanders want any changes to the electoral system in place for the 2014 general election, not the 2017 one as currently planned.

505 views

Politics 9 Aug 2010
New Zealanders favouring second electoral system referendum

New Zealanders are likely to vote for an opportunity to change the way the country elects its Members of Parliament.

411 views

Politics 26 May 2010
Maori welcome tax cuts but disapprove of Budget overall

Maori support income tax cuts in the Budget, but disapprove of the Budget overall.

469 views

Real Estate 25 May 2010
Landlords like Budget overall, but expect to raise rents

More landlords approve than disapprove of the 2010 budget overall, but 47% say they’ll put up their rents as a result of it denying depreciation on their properties.

652 views

Politics 24 May 2010
Poll gives Government solid support for Budget's capital investment plans

The Government has solid support for its plans for major new capital investment plans, specially for ultra-fast broadband and KiwiRail.

535 views

Politics 24 May 2010
Twice as many approve of Budget than disapprove

Nearly twice as many New Zealanders approve of the 2010 Budget overall than disapprove.

652 views

Politics 23 May 2010
New Zealanders want mining firms to pay higher royalties and new super tax on profits

Sixty per cent of New Zealanders believe royalties paid by mining companies are inadequate.

646 views

Business 29 Apr 2010
Information and reputational risk drives big shift in office paper choices

Business and Government get together in Wellington this evening to launch a new edition of an influential guide to buying sustainable office papers.

453 views

Transport 26 Apr 2010
Toyota supports sustainable freight action plan

Toyota New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development by sponsoring the recently announced New Zealand Freight Action Plan.

524 views

Politics 13 Apr 2010
Business Council welcomes PM's move to implement ETS on time

The Prime Minister’s statement that the Government intends implementing the emissions trading scheme (ETS) in its current form and on time has been welcomed by a business leadership group.

560 views

News 6 Apr 2010
New Zealanders' quality of life rating slips

Some 83% of New Zealanders rate their quality of life good or better in a new nationwide survey.

454 views

Business 29 Mar 2010
New Zealand businesses advised to prepare for world price on carbon

New Zealand businesses need to be preparing for world where there is a price on carbon in the major emitting economies.

460 views

Business 27 Mar 2010
Kiwis largely sticking to green values despite recession

Nearly eight out of 10 New Zealanders want a balanced approach to development which achieves economic growth and protects the environment.

562 views

Business 9 Mar 2010
Business welcomes Minister's US study of corporate social role

The Minister of Social Development’s plan to make a five week study of corporate social responsibility in the United States is welcomed by business leaders working in the field.

499 views

Business 3 Mar 2010
Marks and Spencer's big green plan sends a message to Kiwi businesses

A bold new bid by Marks and Spencer to become the world’s most sustainable retailer by 2015 sends an important signal to New Zealand businesses in the export supply chain.

849 views

Real Estate 16 Feb 2010
Landlords concede depreciation tax break should end

Landlords appear to agree depreciation allowances on rental homes which are not depreciating should end, according to a new nationwide poll.

980 views

Politics 16 Feb 2010
New Zealanders want tax reform but support hinges on personal tax rate decisions

Nearly eight out of 10 New Zealanders think the country’s tax system needs reform.

875 views

Business 12 Feb 2010
Long term benefits and fairness should overcome worries over day-one impacts of needed tax reform

A major business leadership group which focuses on long-term solutions for New Zealand’s problems says it supports proposed tax reforms so individuals can grow their wealth and the country can attract investment.

168 views

Politics 21 Dec 2009
Business leaders: Progress in Copenhagen but 2020 emission reduction targets will need to increase

The outline of a climate change agreement in Copenhagen should be welcomed for what it has achieved, according to New Zealand business leaders.

201 views

Politics 2 Nov 2009
New Zealanders oppose most policy changes in climate bill

New Zealanders oppose nearly all the major changes the Government proposes to make to emissions trading and climate policy.

167 views

Business 16 Oct 2009
Business calls for transparent subsidy numbers and better future emissions trading law development

Business calls for transparent subsidy numbers and better future emissions trading law development Providing extra subsidies to major greenhouse gas emitters up until 2050 could add $3.5 billion to Government debt in today’s dollars, lifting it to 8% of gross domestic product, business leaders told a Parliamentary select committee this afternoon.

144 views

Waste 12 Oct 2009
Kiwis split over paying any new recycling tax

New Zealanders are almost evenly split over paying 10c an item extra at shops to recycle packaging.

240 views

Business 30 Sep 2009
New Zealand needs to move to post-recession clean economy

New Zealand risks being left behind the global growth of a clean economy because of its reluctance to embrace users-pays for the environment.

232 views

Building 15 Sep 2009
New survey shows huge demand for warmer home grants

Some 28%, or about 280,000 home owners, may apply for new Government insulation grants.

311 views

Environment 14 Sep 2009
Business leaders: Proposed ETS deal disappointing, costly, continues uncertainty

The proposed changes to the emissions trading scheme are disappointing.

234 views

Environment 31 Aug 2009
Business: Disappointing ETS review leaves most major issues up in the air

The report of the select committee which reviewed the emissions trading scheme (ETS) is a disappointment which still leaves the country with no broad cross-party agreement on climate change policy to provide investment certainty.

213 views

Transport 29 Aug 2009
Business welcomes move to keep cleaning up diesel fleet

The Government’s decision to stay with the current timetable to clean up the country’s used diesel vehicle fleet is being welcomed by business leaders.

184 views

Environment 28 Aug 2009
Public says no to copying key parts of Australias emissions trading scheme

The public – and specially senior business decision makers – do not want to copy key parts of Australia’s emissions trading policy.

224 views

Politics 19 Aug 2009
Minister hopes for broad political sign up to emissions trading scheme

The Minister for Climate Changes Issues has told business leaders he hopes for a settled emissions trading scheme attracting broad political sign up.

140 views

Politics 16 Aug 2009
Report shows how Government can save enough to fund another round of tax cuts

A new report being published tomorrow shows how the Government can save enough each year to fund another round of tax cuts by altering the way its buys goods and services.

282 views

Business 11 Aug 2009
Business leaders: emissions target will have to rise later

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development says the Government’s opening offer to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions by 10 to 20% by 2020 will need to be improved during coming international negotiations.

131 views

Business 10 Aug 2009
Emissions trading: farmers want out, New Zealand wants them in

Nearly nine out of 10 farm owners and managers want to stay out of the emissions trading scheme.

147 views

Business 6 Aug 2009
New Zealand businesses win at Trans Tasman Sustainability Reporting Awards

WaterCare Services has been honoured for the sixth year running at the annual trans Tasman sustainable reporting awards presented in Auckland.

188 views

Environment 4 Aug 2009
Most New Zealanders want 20%+ emissions reduction target

Almost half of New Zealanders want the Government to set a target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% or more by 2020.

227 views

News 1 Aug 2009
New Zealanders rank cost of living as most serious concern, expect economic recovery within two years

New Zealanders rank the impact of the cost of living as the issue of highest concern to them and their families.

199 views

Business 29 Jul 2009
Business backs 20% emissions cut target

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development has advised the Government to set a unilateral target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.

153 views

Business 28 Jul 2009
Costs of emissions cuts most likely over stated

A carbon price of $100 to $200 per tonne is being assumed to generate estimates that New Zealand households will face a $3000-a-year bill for cutting emissions by 15%.

139 views

Business 15 Jul 2009
New environment tool for business should help grow firms appeal and profits

Small to medium sized businesses which use a new environmental management tool being launched by the Government this afternoon should grow market share.

199 views

Building 2 Jul 2009
Paying back insulation loans through rates could appeal to 21% of colder-home owners

Offering loans for insulation and heating, which can be repaid through rates, should appeal to one in five owners living in colder homes.

371 views

Council 11 Jun 2009
Tardy council consent processing proves need for reform

A new report showing only four of the country’s 84 councils are fully complying with the law by processing resource consents on time proves the case for reforming the system.

168 views

Water 9 Jun 2009
Millions in new business opportunities will result from concerted push for early water reform

Business leaders are welcoming the Government’s leadership to improve the pace of water use reform.

355 views

Politics 3 Jun 2009
Huge support for housing and health policies, worries over super and unemployment

New Zealanders overwhelmingly support health and insulation policies announced in the Budget but don’t believe the Government has produced enough new policy to successfully manage the economic recession.

121 views

Building 29 May 2009
Extra loans key to achieving 1 million home upgrade Inbox X

The key to hundreds of thousands of home owners taking up $1800 Government grants to insulate and efficiently heat homes will be the extra new loans to help cover the whole cost of the work.

174 views

Building 26 May 2009
Business welcomes policy aim to upgrade 900,000 homes

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development is welcoming reports that the Government intends offering up to 900,000 owners of pre-2000 homes $1500 grants to insulate their homes.

627 views

Politics 15 May 2009
Green stimulus package will reframe policy debate: a lot more can be done at less cost

Business leaders are welcoming the debate on the Green Party’s economic stimulus package.

233 views

Finance 15 May 2009
New Zealanders happy with economic management, want super contributions continued

Kiwis are happy with the Government’s economic management, but don’t want it to stop contributions to the New Zealand Superannuation Fund.

180 views

Building 7 May 2009
New funding packages will result in a mass home upgrade

New research shows the right mix of public and private funding policies could result in more than 670,000 New Zealand homeowners improving the performance of their homes in the next 10 years.

610 views

Business 4 May 2009
Business leaders: Emissions trading policy delays causing major investment blight

Lack of emissions trading policy certainty is causing major investment blight.

128 views

Environment 4 May 2009
New Zealanders give MPs huge support for extra climate change measures

New Zealanders overwhelmingly support a range of policies to manage climate change in addition to the emissions trading scheme (ETS).

300 views

Politics 23 Apr 2009
DHBs told MPs questions could lead to millions in savings

District health Boards should be careful before criticising efforts to have them report on efficiency.

170 views

Economy 22 Apr 2009
New Zealanders want Government to cut spending even if it increases unemployment

 New Zealanders want Government to cut spending even if it increases unemployment One third of New Zealanders want the Government to cut spending, even if it results in a short term rise in unemployment.

490 views

Business 16 Apr 2009
Latest figures show why emissions trading should proceed quickly

The latest figures on New Zealand’s net position under the Kyoto Protocol shows why an emissions trading scheme is a good idea.

102 views

Weather 14 Apr 2009
New Zealanders back new international deal on climate change - even if big emitters don't sign up

New Zealanders strongly support signing up to a new international agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions.

334 views

Politics 11 Apr 2009
New Zealanders reject next round of tax cuts if it involves borrowing

New Zealanders’ overwhelmingly say they don’t want the Government to go ahead with the next round of personal income tax cuts if it involves further borrowing.

217 views

Economy 8 Apr 2009
New Zealanders more optimistic about jobs, expect economic growth within two years

Sixty two per cent of New Zealanders expect the economy to be growing again within the next two years.

224 views

Environment 7 Apr 2009
Business people want multi-party emissions trading deal within next six months

A new national poll shows business people want a multi-party agreement on an emissions trading scheme reached within the next six months.

140 views

Environment 29 Mar 2009
80% of business people say polluters should pay for their excess greenhouse gas emissions

A new national survey shows 80% of business people think polluters should pay for their excess greenhouse gas emissions, not taxpayers.

234 views

News 23 Mar 2009
New Zealanders strongly believe climate change is real, want faster action

A new national survey of New Zealanders’ attitudes to climate change deals a major blow to those who argue it is not happening.

95 views

Business 6 Mar 2009
Fuel tax cut will see huge numbers switch to biofuels

Nearly a third of New Zealanders say they will switch to using biofuels if the tax on them is reduced.

137 views

Environment 26 Feb 2009
Obama commitment to emissions trading sends a clear signal to New Zealand to get on

A renewed strong commitment to introduce emissions trading by US President Barrack Obama sends New Zealand a signal to get on with implementing its own ETS scheme and securing the country’s trade and tourism.

194 views

Employment 24 Feb 2009
Message to jobs summit: One in five fear for their jobs

Nearly a fifth of New Zealanders in employment fear they may lose their jobs this year and half of those worry they may not quickly find another.

182 views

News 15 Feb 2009
New Zealanders worry most about prices, want public hospitals top of infrastructure project list

New Zealanders are worried most about rising fuel and other prices, followed by the domestic recession and health care.

142 views

Politics 3 Feb 2009
Major investment and cost savings could be stimulated by proposed RMA reforms

Reform of the resource management law will save ratepayers and businesses millions – and could stimulate hundreds of millions in new economic activity.

186 views

Electricity 2 Feb 2009
Smart meters give households power to choose lower prices

The introduction of smart metering will give households a chance to benefit from the electricity market reforms of nearly 20 years ago – and use cheaper power when it is available.

313 views

Building 1 Dec 2008
$20 billion cost of fixing countrys homes less than 4% of their value

Investing $20 billion over the next decade to fix the country’s unhealthy, uncomfortable and energy-wasting homes means spending just over 4% of their value.

133 views

Building 30 Nov 2008
Plan unveiled to upgrade New Zealands million unhealthy, inefficient homes

The New Zealanders are suffering major ill health and economic costs because their homes are not performing properly.

155 views

Water 27 Nov 2008
Wellington City voters back direct water charges, Hutt in two minds and Porirua opposed

WELLINGTON CITY — Wellington City residents solidly support paying directly for the water they use and discharge.

506 views

Environment 26 Nov 2008
UK Governments environment moves send a strong signal to New Zealand exporters to lower carbon

The UK Government’s move to reform air passenger duty from two to four distance bands, increasing the cost of flying to New Zealand, is just the start of actions New Zealanders will see from throughout the world in a bid to lower emissions.

169 views

Politics 19 Nov 2008
Business leaders not surprised by emissions trading review, but concerned about suspending the Act

Business leaders say it is to be expected that a new Government under an MMP system would want to review the emissions trading scheme passed by its predecessors.

108 views

Business 12 Nov 2008
Business leaders look forward to working with National on major economic and environmental issues

The New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development has congratulated National on its election win – and says it looks forward to working with it on major economic and environmental issues.

89 views

Business 15 Oct 2008
Survey reveals market opportunities along emissions-conscious New Zealanders

The latest annual survey of how New Zealanders will cut personal greenhouse gas emissions reveals there is a major market opportunity for those promoting energy efficient appliances.

90 views

Business 30 Sep 2008
Few businesses reporting emission liabilities to owners

New research shows only seven out of every 100 firms have measured their greenhouse gas emissions.

283 views

Business 22 Sep 2008
Business gets new emissions calculator

A new online guide and calculator have been launched to help businesses measure and cut their emissions – and boost profits.

365 views

Environment 12 Sep 2008
First post-emissions trading law poll shows support, but huge knowledge gap

The first nationwide poll on the newly-passed emissions trading law shows more New Zealanders support than oppose the policy.

158 views

Politics 11 Sep 2008
Emissions trading law welcomed as essential for New Zealand's trading future  more work now needed

Business leaders tonight welcomed the passage of emissions trading law as an essential step for New Zealand to preserve its exporting and tourism future.

1,036 views

Water 28 Aug 2008
Business: No need to privatise water

There is no need to privatise water to solve New Zealand's freshwater allocation problems.

303 views

Water 27 Aug 2008
New Zealanders back water reform proposal

A survey of 3350 New Zealanders reveals strong support for reforms proposed to address the country's fresh water issues.

239 views

Water 27 Aug 2008
Report: New Zealand faces full allocation of fresh water in next four years

In four years the water in most major catchments in New Zealand will be fully allocated.

426 views

Business 18 Aug 2008
Business could make billions from new emissions trading-related investments

AUCKLAND — A new report released this morning says New Zealand businesses have an opportunity to make billions from new technology investments stimulated by the proposed emissions trading scheme.

934 views

Environment 31 Jul 2008
Business leaders gather to discuss multi-billion dollar climate change response opportunities

AUCKLAND — Hundreds of business people are being brought together in Auckland on August 18 to discuss new technology and investment opportunities which could earn New Zealand billions of dollars as the world responds to climate change.

316 views

Business 21 Jul 2008
Helping with petrol and power bills will deliver widespread voter support for emissions trading

A move by the Government to help households meet electricity and fuel price rises will deliver widespread voter acceptance of emissions trading, a major new nationwide poll shows.

526 views

Politics 16 Jul 2008
Green Paper shows New Zealand and Australia well aligned on emissions trading  no need to delay here

The Green Paper outlining the Australian Government's thinking on emissions trading shows it is well aligned with New Zealand's plans.

480 views

Water 14 Jul 2008
Water issues a major constraint on growth during next 10 years

WELLINGTON CITY — Water management issues will impose a major constraint on growth in the next 10 years.

725 views

Environment 8 Jul 2008
Latest poll shows New Zealanders want action to cut emissions

New nationwide polling on climate change by TNS Conversa shows New Zealanders want action to cut emissions.

158 views

Environment 7 Jul 2008
Australian Garnaut report shows New Zealand on right track with emissions trading

A new independent report prepared for the Australian government on emissions trading shows New Zealand is on the right track.

181 views

Business 2 Jul 2008
Business leaders tell unions emissions trading will deliver thousands of 'future jobs'

AUCKLAND — Business leaders today praised the unions for recognising emissions trading will help deliver "future jobs".

279 views