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BusinessNZ

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Committed to New Zealand's success by promoting sustainable growth through free enterprise Business NZ is New Zealand's largest advocacy group for enterprise, and champions policies leading to: international competitiveness balanced employment, economic and environmental legislation compliance and tax levels that foster growth and investment innovation and skill development an environment fostering the production of high value goods and services 

Joined August 2007
97,505 profile views
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Export 23 Dec 2025
NZ-India FTA: An early summer gift for exporters

ExportNZ says the conclusion of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and India is a significant step forward for Kiwi exporters, unlocking improved access to one of the world's fastest-growing markets and giving exporters more options to diversify at a time of global trade uncertainty.

1,044 views

Government 9 Dec 2025
"Transformational reform" to resource management arrives

The Government's introduction of two Bills to replace the current Resource Management Act (RMA) is transformational and should result in fewer consents required to unlock development while protecting what matters, BusinessNZ says.

168 views

Economy 3 Dec 2025
BusinessNZ Planning Forecast: economy lifts, but structural risks cannot be ignored

BusinessNZ's latest Planning Forecast shows the economy finally emerging from stagnation and GDP projected to grow at just under 3% per year to 2027, with improving momentum across manufacturing, construction, and tourism.

243 views

Government 1 Dec 2025
Six-month checkups prescribed for new procurement rules

Recently announced changes around procurement have come into effect today, with an added measure to ensure the revised rules remain effective.

191 views

Energy 28 Nov 2025
Industry initiative consults on corporate PPA template, aimed at boosting knowledge and new renewable generation

An industry-funded initiative that kicked off earlier this year is requesting market feedback on a proposed template for corporate power purchase agreements (PPAs), prepared for use in New Zealand's electricity market.

407 views

Politics 20 Nov 2025
Crossroads: Business demands bold 2050 plan

A new report by BusinessNZ calls for bold, long-term planning to enable a greater New Zealand by 2050.

165 views

Court 18 Nov 2025
Gig economy and more at risk

The Supreme Court has today ruled that four rideshare drivers should be classified as employees and not contractors, a decision with far-reaching implications for the economy at large, BusinessNZ says.

211 views

Government 11 Nov 2025
One year on: Keeping track of small business promises

The Government is making good on its promise to cut red tape but BusinessNZ says further action is urgently needed, following a new report on reducing compliance costs for small businesses.

362 views

Business 14 Oct 2025
Procurement reboot backs Kiwi business

The Government’s announced changes to procurement rules should give local and small businesses an edge in winning valuable contracts and further boost the economy, BusinessNZ says.

375 views

Energy 1 Oct 2025
NZ's energy future looking a little brighter today

A New Zealand energy strategy draws closer with the release of the long-awaited electricity market review and government action plan, the BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says.

784 views

Business 24 Sep 2025
Holidays Act difficulties to be remedied

BusinessNZ welcomes the final moves towards fixing the Holidays Act, following the Government’s decision to replace it with a new Employment Leave Act next year.

2,452 views

Trade 1 Sep 2025
UAE deal an export and investment win

ExportNZ says the first trade agreement between New Zealand and the Middle East will unlock a valuable region for Kiwi businesses looking to explore other markets.

3,273 views

Energy 15 Aug 2025
From Iceland to China - what New Zealand can learn about energy

NZ’s energy system must keep improving to provide for NZ business competitiveness while simultaneously moving to net-zero emissions, BEC says.

1,031 views

Gas 12 Aug 2025
Gas crisis will cost NZ jobs and industry

BusinessNZ says urgent and coordinated action is needed to avoid what gas users describe as a ‘devastating’ disruption to New Zealand jobs, services and manufacturing.

469 views

Migration 11 Aug 2025
BusinessNZ welcomes new seasonal and global workforce visas

BusinessNZ has welcomed today’s announcement by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford introducing two new seasonal visa pathways - the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa - as a pragmatic step to better match immigration settings with business needs.

426 views

Education 5 Aug 2025
Education overhaul presents opportunity

The announced overhaul of New Zealand’s education system is a chance to ensure school leavers are better equipped for the modern workforce, says BusinessNZ.

5,687 views

Banks 29 Jul 2025
Surcharges sent packing

BusinessNZ says scrapping surcharges on card payments is a step in the right direction for consumers, and for businesses that issue the cards.

5,408 views

Trade 23 Jul 2025
NZ-UAE trade deal a boost to export and investment

ExportNZ welcomes news of the United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement Legislation Amendment Bill passing into law last night, saying it marks the next step forward in seeing the Agreement between New Zealand and UAE provide a boost to exporters.

5,423 views

Trade 19 Jul 2025
Canada-NZ dairy dispute: A win for exporters

ExportNZ is pleased to see a years-long dairy dispute between Canada and New Zealand resolved, unlocking higher export value for Kiwi business.

450 views

Employment 17 Jun 2025
Employment bill clarifies modern grey areas

BusinessNZ supports the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, saying the changes will have a positive impact across New Zealand’s economy.

428 views

Energy 28 May 2025
Energy sector releases blueprint for NZ's energy strategy

New Zealand’s energy sector has rallied around a secure and affordable vision for a sustainable energy future, and is calling on Government to adopt its perspective as part of their eventual energy strategy.

598 views

Economy 23 May 2025
Budget '25: A credible, growth-oriented path to surplus

"BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s 2025 Budget as a credible and growth-oriented package that supports economic growth while reinforcing a pathway back to fiscal sustainability.

535 views

Business 9 May 2025
Budget priorities supported by business

AUCKLAND CITY — Continued R&D support and substantial infrastructure investment will figure in the 2025 Budget.

1,130 views

Employment 6 May 2025
Pay equity improvement supported

BusinessNZ supports amending the pay equity process to make it more transparent, evidence-based, and more able to achieve robust settlements.

574 views

Government 30 Apr 2025
Regulatory roadblock to be removed

Swift action to remove a regulatory roadblock in the way of medical innovation, global events and tourism has been applauded by BusinessNZ.

502 views

Employment 8 Apr 2025
Regulating employees and employers

BusinessNZ supports coming changes to employment law to remove unnecessary regulations on employing new staff.

521 views

Environment 8 Apr 2025
Consumers hold line on sustainability, expect business to do the same

New research shows that while the cost of living remains top concern for New Zealand’s consumers, their commitment to sustainability remains strong.

552 views

Business 3 Apr 2025
Codes of practice to light the way

BusinessNZ says a sharper focus on Approved Codes of Practice will make health and safety management stronger and simpler.

652 views

Employment 3 Apr 2025
Clear responsibilities for health and safety

Proposed law changes will bring clarity to the health and safety responsibilities of directors and managers, BusinessNZ says.

446 views

Council 3 Apr 2025
Business groups call for publication of council voting records

As councils consider their spending and rates decisions for the coming year, and as October’s local authority elections draw closer, business groups are calling for greater transparency on how councillors vote.

645 views

Health 1 Apr 2025
Health and safety refocused on task at hand

Health and safety law reforms announced today will make it simpler for small businesses to keep their workplace safe and people healthy, says BusinessNZ.

578 views

Government 25 Mar 2025
RMA reform - opening the door for investment

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government’s commitment to reforming resource management laws, based on the principle of the enjoyment of property rights.

545 views

Economy 19 Mar 2025
NZ economy: Wheels turning

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast for the March quarter shows signs of economic improvement - even as New Zealand continues to face significant issues at home and abroad.

634 views

Government 13 Mar 2025
Foreign investment changes to keep international talent

Changes to Foreign Investment Fund (FIF) rules will help keep investment and international talent in New Zealand, and attract even more.  BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the existing rules have been a major barrier for foreign investors.

368 views

Business 10 Feb 2025
New Zealand more attractive to foreign investment

Changes to investor visa settings will make New Zealand more attractive as an investment destination, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.

1,160 views

Migration 17 Dec 2024
Immigration changes a step in the right direction

BusinessNZ welcomes changes to work visas as a step in the right direction, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.

776 views

Government 17 Dec 2024
Reform of local government - relief and celebration

BusinessNZ congratulates the Government and Local Government Minister Simeon Brown on planned local government reform.

547 views

Energy 16 Dec 2024
BEC welcomes hydrogen plan for clean fuel economy

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) welcomes the Government's release of a low-emission hydrogen plan.

2,038 views

Employment 13 Dec 2024
Holidays Act change reflects modern work

Business New Zealand welcomes today’s announcement on changes to the Holidays Act.

1,825 views

Government 5 Dec 2024
BusinessNZ welcomes fresh Marsden Fund focus

BusinessNZ welcomes updates to research science and innovation funding via the Marsden Fund, allowing focused investment in things that will better strengthen our economy.

563 views

Employment 4 Dec 2024
Clearing the personal grievance pipeline

BusinessNZ welcomes Government action in overhauling the personal grievance process, meaning fewer rewards for poor behaviour, and more legitimate cases being heard.

586 views

Energy 29 Nov 2024
Gas report: A once in a generation problem

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says a new report highlights a looming shortfall in supply of gas by 2030.

650 views

Energy 14 Nov 2024
BusinessNZ welcomes funding to explore potential of supercritical geothermal technology

BusinessNZ welcomes the announcement of $60 million in R&D funding to explore the potential of supercritical geothermal technology.

641 views

Employment 14 Nov 2024
Calculating gender pay gap

BusinessNZ is encouraging employers to check their payment practices to ensure they are not creating a gender pay gap at their workplace.

445 views

Trade 2 Nov 2024
Gulf State trade deal unlocks new region

ExportNZ welcomes a new Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between New Zealand and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which provides new avenues for exporters.

559 views

Business 29 Oct 2024
Easing the small business burden

A new report has highlighted compliance pain-points for small businesses and ways the Government can reduce them, to drive economic growth.

440 views

Trade 26 Sep 2024
NZ-UAE Trade Agreement welcomed by export sector

New Zealand exporters will welcome the news of a new free trade agreement between New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates signed today, says ExportNZ.

574 views

Business 8 Apr 2024
Sensible step forward on immigration settings

Ensuring immigration settings are aligned to current labour market and economic conditions is a sensible move, says BusinessNZ CEO Kirk Hope.

605 views

Business 6 Sep 2023
Enterprises worried about cost of doing business

The high cost of doing business is the stand-out issue for New Zealand businesses, according to the results of the Deloitte and Chapman Tripp Election Survey released today.

875 views

Trade 10 Jul 2023
NZ-EU free trade welcomed

The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with the European Union will deliver significant outcomes for selected sectors, but falls short of the high quality Agreement New Zealand signed with the UK, Export NZ says.  Executive Director Josh Tan says the FTA opens up a market for goods previously obstructed by tariffs on products exported from New Zealand.

1,067 views

Business 14 Jun 2023
Greedflation report: Prices rising with costs

New research by Sense Partners into increasing costs show that while the price of goods and services have increased across the board, inflated profits are not the driving force in New Zealand.

700 views

Business 19 May 2023
Budget 2023: Cheese rolls for some, cupboards bare for others

BusinessNZ says the Government's Budget announcement provides a wellbeing boost for some, but is light on business investment.

New Zealand Budget 2023

669 views

Council 16 May 2023
New Chair for Local Government Forum

Matt Cowley is the new Chair of the Local Government Forum, a group of major business organisations with an interest in promoting efficient and effective local government.

749 views

Economy 29 Mar 2023
NZ economy: Challenges abound

The latest BusinessNZ Planning Forecast shows New Zealand’s economy continues to face pressure from within and further abroad, increasing chances of recession.

656 views

Business 17 Mar 2023
NZ's dry year issue: Onslow too slow

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says investigating answers to the dry year problem is important, but options must consider solutions for both short and long-term energy issues.

569 views

Employment 12 May 2022
Ditch FPAs, there's a Smarter Way

As the Government continues to push forward with FPAs, BusinessNZ is recommending three policy changes the Government should make instead.

833 views

Business 12 May 2022
Border reopening sooner good for business

BusinessNZ welcomes the Government moving faster on reopening borders earlier than previously indicated, and providing more clarity around immigration settings.

713 views

Employment 4 May 2022
BusinessNZ launches public campaign against FPAs - Your Work, Your Way

BusinessNZ has today launched a nationwide campaign ‘Your Work, Your Way’, calling on Kiwis to reject compulsory FPAs, and stand up for their right to negotiate their own working conditions and pay directly with their employer.

BusinessNZ launches campaign, urging all Kiwis to reject FPAs and calling for a smarter way of working.

813 views

Energy 2 May 2022
Flicking the switch on long-term thinking

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) says it's encouraging to see long-term infrastructure planning from the Government, and agrees that more of the same simply won't cut it.

817 views

Business 27 Apr 2022
Decarbonising fund good for business

BusinessNZ says Government support to decarbonise large businesses will benefit those willing to explore innovative technologies, while paving the way for others to adopt.

595 views

Politics 5 Apr 2022
Business continues to suffer at red

Remaining at red is a disappointing announcement for the many businesses unable to operate normally at the highest traffic light setting.

708 views

Employment 31 Mar 2022
Critical staff shortages hamper business and the economy

A new report by Sense Partners for BusinessNZ: Labour Market Conditions for Business shows critical worker shortages, record high levels of employment, and record high demand for goods and services, highlighting the need for immigration to start flowing as the border opens.

783 views

Business 29 Mar 2022
BusinessNZ says no

BusinessNZ has confirmed that it will not accept payments included in the Fair Pay Agreements Bill introduced to Parliament today.

613 views

Business 25 Mar 2022
Government's phone off the hook to FPA concerns

The Government has taken its phone off the hook and is ignoring widespread opposition from New Zealand business owners and employees to its unlawful compulsory national pay agreements scheme, known as FPAs.

Kirk Hope, CEO BusinessNZ

705 views

Business 13 Feb 2014
Good start to 2014 innings

New Zealand's manufacturing sector started 2014 on a healthy note, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

848 views

Business 11 Feb 2014
Press conference: APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) - Friday

Media representatives are invited to attend a closing press conference for the meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC), which is taking place in Auckland this week.

956 views

Business 10 Feb 2014
Electricity market competitive

The electricity market in New Zealand is extremely competitive, with consumers able to switch retailers to gain lower prices, and more consumers using metering and home energy management systems to save more.

780 views

Business 10 Feb 2014
Senior Chinese delegation expected at APEC meetings

As Auckland prepares to welcome the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) meeting this week, a senior Chinese delegation will also attend to explore opportunities for trade and investment with New Zealand.

829 views

Business 5 Feb 2014
Auckland to host major gathering of Asia Pacific business leaders

AUCKLAND CITY — Leading New Zealand businesses are joining with the New Zealand Government to welcome over 250 business leaders from the Asia Pacific region when Auckland hosts a meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) 11-14 February.

905 views

Business 27 Jan 2014
Cheers to 2013

2013 represented a solid story of growth for New Zealand's services sector, according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).

806 views

Business 24 Jan 2014
Investment in education leadership well placed

Targeted investment in principals and teachers is a strategic move that could significantly improve student skill levels, says BusinessNZ.

734 views

Business 23 Jan 2014
World class average

New Zealand's manufacturing sector ended the year on a healthy note, and the first time since 2007 that every month recorded expansion in activity, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

819 views

Business 16 Jan 2014
ACC training claims overblown

It is unfortunate that important debate on workplace safety has been undermined by intemperate media comment, says BusinessNZ.

728 views

Business 19 Dec 2013
Productivity focus needed for 2014

Increased productivity is vital for improved wealth and living standards in the future and everyone has a part to play to achieve it, says BusinessNZ.

721 views

Business 19 Dec 2013
Exporters remain confident despite relatively high exchange rates

The latest ExportNZ Survey shows exporters are confident of good growth and increasing orders in overseas markets for 2014, despite battling against a currency that is higher than most would wish for.

777 views

Business 16 Dec 2013
Positive approach heading into Xmas

New Zealand's services sector experienced a positive and solid level of expansion heading into Xmas, according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).

834 views

Business 16 Dec 2013
Preparing for tomorrow's workforce

Employers are being encouraged to turn silver hair into business gold by adapting their practices to retain older workers.

775 views

Business 13 Dec 2013
Firm grip on expansion

New Zealand's manufacturing sector remained in a firm grip of expansion as activity in the sector rose during November, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

727 views

Export 11 Dec 2013
Exporters welcome TPP momentum

New Zealand exporters welcome the progress being made in TPP negotiations, says ExportNZ.

1,290 views

Business 10 Dec 2013
NZ economy – wave of optimism

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast shows the New Zealand economy is starting to bloom.

718 views

Business 6 Dec 2013
ETS stable for now

New Zealand’s emissions trading system remains stable following decisions released today, says BusinessNZ.

634 views

Business 4 Dec 2013
Slow slide down rankings requires urgent action

The business community will want urgent, focused action to ensure better education performance, says BusinessNZ.

631 views

Business 2 Dec 2013
G20 role vindicates trans-Tasman work

Being part of next year’s G20 deliberations is a result of the strong Australia-New Zealand partnership, says BusinessNZ.

635 views

Business 28 Nov 2013
Sydney Leadership Forum focuses on building Asia-ready capabilities

The 9th Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum, which took place in Sydney on Wednesday 27 November, concluded with delegates resolving to build the capacity of both countries to take advantage of new opportunities in the Asia Pacific region, say the Forum Co-Chairs.

670 views

Business 26 Nov 2013
Sydney leadership forum marks 30 years of CER

The 9th Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum meeting in Sydney on 27 November takes place as both countries celebrate 30 years of Closer Economic Relations (CER) and seek to take advantage of new opportunities in Asia, say the Forum Co-Chairs.

674 views

Business 18 Nov 2013
Business Growth Agenda net benefit to the economy

The latest progress report on the Business Growth Agenda shows milestones being achieved towards the Government’s goal of a more competitive, productive economy, says BusinessNZ.

730 views

Business 18 Nov 2013
Performance of Services Index - Outstanding October

New Zealand's services sector continued to push higher in terms of expansion, according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).

824 views

Business 18 Nov 2013
Contracting out of personal grievances sensible

Excluding higher paid employees from personal grievances makes sense, says BusinessNZ.

684 views

Business 14 Nov 2013
Onwards and upwards

New Zealand's manufacturing sector recorded its 11th consecutive month in expansion as activity in the sector rose during October, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

722 views

Business 15 Oct 2013
Standards system improvements on the right track

BusinessNZ says many of the changes to New Zealand's system of standards proposed today by the Government are on the right track, but it will be important that the standard setting process remains demonstrably independent of government and regulatory control.

608 views

Business 14 Oct 2013
Spring step

New Zealand's services sector showed increased levels of expansion during September, according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).

653 views

Business 10 Oct 2013
New orders keep manufacturing on track

Continued high levels of new orders ensured the manufacturing sector remained in expansion, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

637 views

News 9 Oct 2013
Steady improvements for retirement system

BusinessNZ has welcomed the Review of Retirement Income Policies released today by the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income.

627 views

Business 4 Oct 2013
International business event coming to Auckland

A meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC) will be held in Auckland next year, it was announced at the APEC meetings underway in Bali today.

692 views

Business 2 Oct 2013
Education strategy good for economy

The Government’s draft strategy for tertiary education for the next five years features a strong emphasis on the economy, says BusinessNZ.

324 views

Business 27 Sep 2013
NZ economy – onwards and upwards

The BusinessNZ Planning Forecast shows nearly all key indicators for the economy are positive.

381 views

Business 17 Sep 2013
Lower ACC levies welcome

BusinessNZ has welcomed the prospect of lower ACC levies.

334 views

Business 16 Sep 2013
Holding pattern

New Zealand's services sector displayed a lower level of expansion after recent record results, according to the BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI).

363 views

Business 13 Sep 2013
Tail wind continues

Manufacturing activity continues to push forward with another healthy month of expansion for August, according to the latest BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI).

389 views

Business 13 Sep 2013
RMA reforms misunderstood

Proposed changes to the Resource Management Act seem to have been misunderstood, says BusinessNZ.

343 views