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Budget 2013: Trans-Tasman Budget Rivalry

17 May 2013

This week’s Budget announcements in Australia and New Zealand have many similarities. Both budgets look to the future and returning to surplus. But if these budgets were a trans-Tasman game of rugby or netball what would the score be? And what would the fans and commentators be predicting for full time?

Budget 2013: Raising the innovation bar?

17 May 2013

Since the last election, the Government has promised to raise the level of innovation in New Zealand. The move to include innovation as a key platform of the Business Growth Agenda was a step in the right direction, but is enough being done to ensure this promise will be fulfilled?

Budget 2013: The ethics of multinational taxation

17 May 2013

There has been considerable global press in recent months about the ethics of multinational companies using tax structures to minimise the tax they pay globally. The low tax take from the multinationals that do business here has brought New Zealand into the middle of this international debate.

Europe danger continues; Asia has the buffer

14 May 2013

While the New Zealand economy keeps warm under a safety blanket called the Asian growth, the dangers of Europe should not be forgotten.

Budget 2013: Time to tackle some meaningful issues

13 May 2013

By its very nature politics is a fickle beast. To ensure they get in (or stay in) power, the Government needs to promote policies that appeal to enough voters to secure their success. However, the real dilemma arises when what’s best for the economy conflicts with the voters personal circumstances – or to be more specific their financial circumstances.

Budget 2013: Social and affordable housing

12 May 2013

Housing remains a critical issue, impacting the lives of New Zealand’s most vulnerable, especially in Auckland. The Government made some good moves to address this crisis in its first term, such as speeding up the Resource Management Act (RMA) consent process for the development of brown field sites, but has much more to do.

Budget 2013: Healthcare rationing by stealth?

10 May 2013

Why the failure of Governments to fund private health insurance subsidies will ultimately mean healthcare rationing…

Budget 2013: Threat of capital gains tax will impact the government agenda

10 May 2013

If there is one certainty, it is that capital gains tax (CGT) has moved from a principled tax policy decision to one of politics. The government has categorically confirmed that an official capital gains tax will not be introduced on their watch: why would they when there are so many “CGT by stealth” rules already in existence and little revenue would be earned for up to 15 years.

Budget 2013: Chance to leave a legacy with RMA

10 May 2013

Every leader wants to leave a legacy to mark their time at the helm. Be they politicians, chief executives, sportspeople or school principals, everyone wants to be remembered as someone who made a difference.

Budget 2013: Another chance to improve KiwiSaver

08 May 2013

Since conception, KiwiSaver has gone from strength to strength. Any initial hesitation has been replaced, on the most part, with acceptance. The latest figures show two million New Zealanders are now signed up – a fantastic uptake.