- Customer and Product Data Bill & Accompanying Discussion Document | July 24, 2023
EconomyCustomer and Product Data Bill & Accompanying Discussion Document
July 24, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2023-07-24
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ previously submitted on MBIE’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) discussion document in 2020. Given where the use of consumer data is heading globally, we believe there are economic opportunities for New Zealand if the introduction of a CDR is done effectively and efficiently, and most importantly provides a pathway for innovation. Any future steps must include the needs, concerns and opportunities for the business community.
Action: Submission sent to MBIE.
Outcome: Bill to be introduced later in 2023.
Action: Submission sent to MBIE.Outcome: Bill to be introduced later in 2023.Consultation on a proposed increase to the Fire and Emergency transistional levy for 2024/25 and 2025/26 | April 27, 2023EconomyConsultation on a proposed increase to the Fire and Emergency transistional levy for 2024/25 and 2025/26
April 27, 2023Submitting To: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-04-27
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is proposing an increase of 12.8% in the transistional levy component across all levied insurance policies for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years to pay for the significant cost increase largely resulting for the new collective employment agreement settled in December 2022 between Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission to FENZ recommending that given the significant public good aspects of many of the services provided by the FENZ, the total cost increase in the transitional levy, forecast for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, be funded from general taxation, partially compensating for the significant shortfall in FENZ's current government funding.
Outcome: FENZ are currently analysing submissions but is likely that they will proceed with their proposed policy rather than look at new funding mechanisms simply because they have discounted other methods of funding -despite the deficiencies associated with current funding methods.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission to FENZ recommending that given the significant public good aspects of many of the services provided by the FENZ, the total cost increase in the transitional levy, forecast for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, be funded from general taxation, partially compensating for the significant shortfall in FENZ's current government funding.Outcome: FENZ are currently analysing submissions but is likely that they will proceed with their proposed policy rather than look at new funding mechanisms simply because they have discounted other methods of funding -despite the deficiencies associated with current funding methods.Business Payment Practices Regulations | February 28, 2023EconomyBusiness Payment Practices Regulations
February 28, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2023-02-28
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: Following on from BusinessNZ submission on the associated Bill for this regime late 2022, BusinessNZ also submitted on MBIE's Discussion Document that attempts to provide more details around how the regime will work, including possible measures that will be included for those that are required to comply. Overall, BusinessNZ submitted that compliance costs and the number of measures be kept to a minimum, as well as ongoing consultation with the business community to ensure a high quality regulatory outcome.
Action: Submitted on Discussion Document.
Outcome: Awaiting decisions by MBIE.
Action: Submitted on Discussion Document.Outcome: Awaiting decisions by MBIE.Review into the Future for Local Government | February 24, 2023EconomyReview into the Future for Local Government
February 24, 2023Submitting To: Local Government ReviewIssue for Business:Submitting to: Local Government Review
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-02-24
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: The Review is looking at the future for local government, including roles and responsibilites, and future funding arrangements.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission saying that many improvements are needed to the way local government operates, including more cost-benefit transparency in decision-making, better analysis of the impact on businesses of local government regulation, and more focus on the 'beneficiary pays' approach to determining payment for local government services. A more realistic approach to local government revenue streams is needed.
Outcome: The Review Team has made public its final report. Given time constraints, no changes as a result of the review will be made this side of the general election. While the final review report makes some useful recommendations e.g Govt should pay rates on Crown-owned Land and that Cabinet should consider more fully the implications of making decisions that impose added costs on Local Government, by and large the report promotes a number of dubious concepts which are likely to make planning decisions even more difficult. At the same time they have effectively rejected the 'beneficiary pays' principle that both the Productivity Commission and Business Organisations have supported.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission saying that many improvements are needed to the way local government operates, including more cost-benefit transparency in decision-making, better analysis of the impact on businesses of local government regulation, and more focus on the 'beneficiary pays' approach to determining payment for local government services. Amore realistic approach to local government revenue streams is needed.Outcome: The Review Team is currently analysing submissions and will be reporting back to the Minister for local government later this year. Given time constraints, it will be most unlikely that any changes as a result of the review will be made this side of the general election.Five-year review of the Monetary Policy Committee Remit that guides monetary policy decisions | January 27, 2023EconomyFive-year review of the Monetary Policy Committee Remit that guides monetary policy decisions
January 27, 2023Submitting To: Reserve Bank of New ZealandIssue for Business:Submitting to: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-01-27
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: The purpose is to get feedback on the Remit that guides decision-making by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on monetary policy and Official Cash Rate (OCR) Adjustments.
Action: BusinessNZ's submission broadly supports the policy discussions on issues outlined within the Consultation Paper, including the Reserve Bank's recognition of the need to avoid having too many objectives for monetary policy and hence the decision to deem distributional and climate change issues as being 'out of scope'.
Outcome: The Reserve Bank has now completed its 5-yearly review and has clarified that 'house price sustainability' is not an operational objective of the Monetary Policy Committee remit. Recently the RB dropped consideration of including 'mitigating climate change' and 'fighting wealth and income inequality' in its remit. BusinessNZ considers this sensible as these issues are best tackled by other institutions, whereas the RB should be focused principally on price stability.
Action: BusinessNZ's submission broadly supports the policy discussions on issues outlined within the Consultation Paper, including the Reserve Bank's recognition of the need to avoid having too many objectives for monetary policy and hence the decision to deem distributional and climate change issues as being 'out of scope'.Outcome: The Reserve Bank will use feedback to inform their advice to the Minister of Finance on whether the Remit should be replaced or amended.- Consultation on ACC’s Accredited Employers’ Programme | November 6, 2022Employment Relations
Consultation on ACC’s Accredited Employers’ Programme
November 6, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2022-11-06
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: ACC is recommending changes to the Accredited Employers Programme which allows large employers to cover their employees’ claims for work injuries in return for a reduction in their ACC employer levies. BusinessNZ's submission to MBIE responds to the proposed changes.
Pay equity | April 27, 2021Employment RelationsPay equity
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: The Equal Pay Amendment Act was passed on November 6, 2020. Prior to its passage a range of claims had been made in the state sector, these have been dealt with using the set of principles developed by the Pay Equity Joint Working Group chaired by Dame Patsy Reddy, and since enshrined in the law. Since the Act was passed a further claim has been made for Early Childhood workers. This is the first real challenge for the Act given the large number of employers working in a sector characterised by a lack of coordination between the various employers’ groups.
Action: The government has set up a Data Repository to capture claims data as claims are settled, providing a research base for future claims.
Outcome: BusinessNZ is a member of the governance group of the Repository, to ensure that data relating to claims in the private sector are managed with appropriate recognition of privacy and commercial confidentiality.
Action: The government has set up a Data Repository to capture claims data as claims are settled, providing a research base for future claims.Outcome: BusinessNZ is a member of the governance group of the Repository, to ensure that data relating to claims in the private sector are managed with appropriate recognition of privacy and commercial confidentiality.Fair Pay Agreements | April 27, 2021Employment RelationsFair Pay Agreements
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: The current government was elected in 2017 with a commitment to introduce Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs). Fair pay agreements are a set of terms and conditions of employment for an occupational group or sector. They will be agreed through bargaining between affected workers and employers, and will then become legal requirements in that sector. The Fair Pay Agreements Working Group (FPAWG) delivered its report to the Government in December 2018. This was followed in 2019 by a national consultation document that sought views on the Work Group’s recommendations. After discussions with Business NZ Zealand First indicated that the issues for business were significant, they did not support the development of FPAs and the process was stalled. Subsequent to the 2020 Election the majority Labour Government indicated that it would move ahead with implementing FPAs and is now working through the complex policy issues related to establishing what is in essence an old award system.
Action: In addition to discussions with New Zealand First, in July 2019, BusinessNZ expressed concerns to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the compulsory nature of the proposed FPAs, arguing that they breach the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 – conventions which the New Zealand Government has ratified. Therefore if the Government passed legislation compelling organisations to participate in FPAs it would be a breach of its international commitments. This would have signifcnat reputational implications for the Government, and subject it to deeper international scrutiny.
Outcome: The ILO has approached the government several times for comment. The Government has yet to respond.
Action: In addition to discussions with New Zealand First, in July 2019, BusinessNZ expressed concerns to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the compulsory nature of the proposed FPAs, arguing that they breach the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 – conventions which the New Zealand Government has ratified. Therefore if the Government passed legislation compelling organisations to participate in FPAs it would be a breach of its international commitments. This would have signifcnat reputational implications for the Government, and subject it to deeper international scrutiny.Outcome: The ILO has approached the government several times for comment. The Government has yet to respond.The Holidays Act | January 27, 2021Employment RelationsThe Holidays Act
January 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-01-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: From around 2014 it became apparent that many employers were not applying the Holidays Act correctly when calculating Holiday Pay. Arrears in many cases totaled tens of millions of dollars. Previous reviews aimed at clarifying the current Act pointed to systemic problems. In late 2018, following a joint approach from BusinessNZ and the NZ Council of Trade Unions, the Government commissioned a full review of the Holidays Act. Whilst the Government received the recommendations of the Holidays Act review Working Group, it took no action until 2021. The Government has agreed to amend the Act in line with the recommendations of the Working Group Separately from the review, the Government has chosen to make two additional changes not supported by BusinessNZ, and outside the terms of reference of the review of the Act. These are; • increasing the minimum sick leave entitlements • introduction of a new Matariki public holiday Still further changes are imminent via a private members bill that that introduces an additional category of bereavement leave for instances where an employee has suffered a miscarriage. While these are all valid reasons for people to take leave, the creation of additional entitlements creates additional costs for employers at a time when even small increases are significant. BusinessNZ estimates that the introduction of additional sick leave and Matariki will remove approximately 8 million person days per year from national productivity.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on the Amendment Bill
Outcome: The report of the Holidays Act Task force was released on 23 February 2021, having been accepted by Cabinet in its entirety. The Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill is currently in the Select Committee stages in Parliament, while a Bill to enact Matariki is expected later this year.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on the Amendment BillOutcome: The report of the Holidays Act Task force was released on 23 February 2021, having been accepted by Cabinet in its entirety. The Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill is currently in the Select Committee stages in Parliament, while a Bill to enact Matariki is expected later this year.- Ensuring an Orderly Thermal Transition | July 28, 2023Energy
Ensuring an Orderly Thermal Transition
July 28, 2023Submitting To: Electricity AuthorityIssue for Business:Submitting to: Electricity Authority
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-07-28
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The EA has assessed the risk of an disorderly exit of thermal electricity generation. The Authority considers the risks to be low. Based on their assessment with modelling done by Concept Consulting, thermal generators experience net-cash flow volatility, depending on the type of generator. But overall they remain positive. They believe current market settings provide sufficient signals to existing thermal to remain in the system. This submission outlines BEC's response to several issues and matters raised. Among the several considerations mentioned in the submission, below are a few: 1. BEC believes this assessment should be ongoing because is the risk is ongoing. 2. BEC recommends that the Authority's analysis should be broadened to encompass a more comprehensive, contestable and open assessment. 3. We agree, in theory, a decrease in demand may not necessarily lead to a disorderly phase-out of thermal generation. However, at present, market participants express their deep concern about the lack of incentives and returns to justify the investment into a fast start peaking plant. This is concerning. 4. Gas supply in the broader conversation about sufficient thermal capacity must be considered adequately. 5. Existing policy uncertainty, including proposals like the NZ Battery Project and the 100% renewable electricity target, is severely damaging the investment feasibility of building new peaking plant. Abandoning the proposal would restore much needed certainty and investor confidence.
Input Methodology Review 2023 regarding EDBs | July 19, 2023EnergyInput Methodology Review 2023 regarding EDBs
July 19, 2023Submitting To: Commerce CommissionIssue for Business:Submitting to: Commerce Commission
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-07-19
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The Commission's draft decision largely retains the current methodology. This may not be prudent considering the evolving needs of electrification. There are instances where the Commission proposes changes that are retrograde steps, such as reductions to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) percentiles for EDBs, which seem questionable given the need for investment in decarbonisation and the transition away from being less dependent on thermal generation. The WACC impacts financiability by acting as a building block for the rate of regulated return – the return that a regulated network can earn on investments. Implementing a steady state or incremental approach, in this context, could possibly slow electrification, and thus jeopardise the country’s energy transition. Insufficient allowances for network companies would likely result in a slower and impeded transition, making it more challenging for the country to meet its international commitments to achieve net-zero emissions within the designated timeframe.
Strengthening national direction on renewable electricity generation and transmission | June 1, 2023EnergyStrengthening national direction on renewable electricity generation and transmission
June 1, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-01
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The Government has announced two new National Policy Statements on the national direction for renewable electricity and transmission. The Problem: the existing statements have failed to provide national direction, due to weaker or missing language. This ineffectiveness is compounded by stronger policy statements in competing areas, like NPS-FM or NPS-HPL. National direction and additional emphasis on nation significance must be provided to reduce consenting uncertainty, and provide decision-makers more weight to consider and grant consent for new renewable electricity and transmission infrastructure. BEC is pleased that the Government understands, and acknowledges, the increasing need to build this infrastructure to help meet New Zealand's climate targets. In some places, the NPS is an improvement. In others, it is a step-backwards. BEC outlines several problems with the proposed statements. This submission outlines several problems with the statements wording that must be addressed if New Zealand is to have an effective NPS-REG & ET. However, fundamentally, BEC notes that an NPS is limited in its ability to speed up and reduce the cost of NZ's costly and cumbersome consenting process. The RMA itself must be reformed. BEC refers to BusinessNZ's submission outlining the problems with the RMA's replacements - SPB and NBE, and how they can be improved.
Charging our future: discussion document | May 11, 2023EnergyCharging our future: discussion document
May 11, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Transport (MoT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Transport (MoT)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-05-11
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The paper outlines a system-wide vision and five proposed long-term outcomes to support the rollout of charging infrastructure in New Zealand. In response to the paper, BEC outlines some of the barriers and challenges public charger providers and electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) face, and are likely to face, as the uptake of electric vehicles accelerates. BEC supports a strategy for EV charging infrastructure. BEC recommends removing or alleviating these barriers should be the focus of the strategy, enabling businesses and investors to roll-out EV charging infrastructure without large regulatory, process and cost constraints standing in the way. BEC believes this interagency group should partner with the private sector by identifying problems and barriers, and doesn't prefer other options tabled, like the formation of a new agency and entity. BEC believes the heavy lifting will be provided by market players, and the Government has limited role in public EV charging provision in the early stages if market failures arise. But any analysis of determining a market failure must be rigorous, and rightly identify areas where chargers are needed. BEC questions the need for targets, considering the relatively arbitrary nature of targets and wider regulatory interventions, like compulsory EV charging in new builds. BEC recommends application processes can be streamlined across NZ's 29 EDBs. The processes vary in time and cost. BEC's submission outlines the cost of connecting a charger to the grid, which can vary, but is a large barrier. A new connection can substantial increase the cost of connecting, and weaken the commerciality of installing an public EV charger. However, EDBs need the revenue to fund their increase in capital expenditure. Undoubtedly, the issue of reducing reducing cost inevitably turns to who pays?
Enabling investment in offshore renewable energy – discussion document | April 14, 2023EnergyEnabling investment in offshore renewable energy – discussion document
April 14, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-04-14
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: Under the Government's ERP, they have promised to create a regulatory regime for the feasibility, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy by 2024. MBIE's discussion document outlines how the regime could work and raised questions on how it should work. BEC supports, and applauds, the Government's commitment to creating this regime, and has provided feedback to MBIE's questions: 1.) BEC supports a developer-led approach, not a government-led approach. 2.) BEC supports a permitting regime that creates exclusive rights to undertake feasibility studies, and the exclusive right to apply for construction and operation once the feasibility has concluded. 3.) BEC supports a 'use-it-or-lose-it' provision and recommend periodic reports demonstrating how activities are progressing to safeguard against 'land banking.' 4.) BEC recommends resolving the issue of overlapping permit applications by implementing a merit-based assessment and a negotiation mechanism. 5.) BEC recommends a permit duration of ten years. 6.) BEC questions the need for a national interest test. A test will already occur with the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval of overseas funds. 7.) BEC supports the involvement of iwi, hapū and whanau, but believes any requirements should not be onerous and overly prescriptive. 8.) BEC recommends a broad technical criterion, and a narrow financial criterion, to ensure developers are suitable, competent and capable, without 'locking-out' a diversity of developers and worsening competition. 9.) BEC believes that the final decision on granting permits should be made by a relevant decision maker, not the Minister.
- The Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) | August 11, 2023Environment & Infrastructure
The Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
August 11, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-08-11
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The Government has decided to review the Emissions Trading Scheme. Their aim is to rebalance the ETS to account for more gross emission reductions. This was set out in the Emissions Reduction Plan and inform by recommendations from the Climate Change Commission. 1.) The ETS has severely damaged confidence in the carbon market. One objective ought to be to restore such confidence. 2.) We recommend that the Government promptly rules out retrospective changes to current NZU rights, providing stability and predictability of the ETS regime for businesses and investors. 3.) Any changes need to be grounded in key principles: flexibility, stability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity and optionality. 4.) We recommend conducting a comprehensive quantitative analysis to determine the level of gross emission reductions intended up to 2050 before any options are decided. 5.) This should include an assessment of the costs and benefits of each option in rebalancing the ETS towards more gross reductions. 6.) Alongside the assessment of current options, we recommend assessing non-ETS measures aimed at managing and controlling afforestation. 7.) We would like to see a comprehensive assessment of all aspects impacting afforestation economics and potential planting. 8.) This should include undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the potential amount and types of land suitable for afforestation in the permanent exotic forestry category. 9.) We recommend to account for constraints beyond the ETS. 10.) We do not support any option at this stage due to the lack of detail and inadequate acknowledgement of non-ETS measures that could address the stated problem.
Outcome: This marks the beginning of the ETS review. Future changes are expected in the future.
Outcome: This marks the beginning of the ETS review. Future changes are expected in the future.2023 Draft advice to inform the strategic direction of the Government’s second emissions reduction plan | June 20, 2023Environment & Infrastructure2023 Draft advice to inform the strategic direction of the Government’s second emissions reduction plan
June 20, 2023Submitting To: Climate Change CommissionIssue for Business:Submitting to: Climate Change Commission
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-20
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The Commission released its advice to inform the Government's second ERP. The advice outlines numerous recommendations on the strategic direction of the Government's policy direction across multiple sectors, including but not limited to, energy, industrial users and agriculture. BusinessNZ and BEC commented on several sections based on the impact upon climate change policy, and their relative consequence upon the broader business community. This submission clarifies and reinforces BusinessNZ/BEC's position on the role of gross and net emission reductions, the role of forestry, the integration of CCUS into the ETS, the Government's NDC target (and fiscal implications), the impact of policy uncertainty, RMA barriers and the important role of thermal in NZ's energy system.
Annual updates to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme limits and price control settings | June 16, 2023Environment & InfrastructureAnnual updates to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme limits and price control settings
June 16, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-16
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: This submission is a response to MfE's proposed changes to the ETS price and unit settings. We outlined several recommendations and discussion points: 1.) We recommend conducting fewer reviews of price and unit settings and providing clarity on the balance between gross and net reductions. 2.) We recommend avoiding premature reductions in the stockpiled units. 3.) We support maintaining the status quo regarding the CCR and price floor to prevent this from becoming a reference point for particularly high prices. 4.) We emphasise that external constraints exist outside of the ETS that limit the effectiveness of a higher price signal. 5.) We recommend the Government proactively releases any market moving announcements before quarterly auctions, providing market participants sufficient to react to policy changes. The submission outlines the justification for each recommendation and statement.
Outcome: The High Court ordered the Government to reconsider ETS settings agreed to last year after a judicial review brought by the Lawyers for Climate Action. The Government has recognized the Court's decision and has agreed to the Climate Change Commission's 2022 recommendations on unit and price settings. This has overruled the proposed settings outlined in this consultation. Has a result there will be: 1. The CCR will be split into two-tiers. 2. Tier 1 of the CCR will increase from $82 to $173.00 3. The auction floor will rise from $33.06 to $60.00 4. There will be 17.6 million fewer NZUs auctioned over 2023-2028.
Climate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill | April 6, 2023Environment & InfrastructureClimate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill
April 6, 2023Submitting To: Environment Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Environment Select Committee
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-04-06
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The amendment bill updates and changes several provisions within the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA) regarding industrial allocations (IA) under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). BusinessNZ Energy Council supports this Bill, with amendments. We support updating IA eligibility thresholds to better reflect the higher carbon price and risk of carbon leakage. We support new activity provisions within the Bill. We support changes to the EAF's methodology and information sharing. On the matter of baseline resetting, we support a one-off change to the years used for collecting data on emissions intensity. This protects the integrity of the ETS going forward. However, we oppose continued baseline reviews every ten years, and the power to rest baselines every five years if the over-allocation test is met. This provision strips away the signal to invest in step-change decarbonisation projects. Large projects resulting in significant step changes would not proceed, as the economic returns would not outweigh the large opex and capex associated with a project. This is undesirable for the environment and the Government’s targets.
Outcome: Notwithstanding several amendments, the Bill remained largely in its current state. We advocated strongly for amending the provisions to include a consideration for capex and opex when testing the overallocation of units, and when amending the phase-down of the level of assistance. Unfortunately, this has not been included. This is disappointing as it creates, and adds to, the significant policy uncertainty for EITE firms throughout their decarbonisation journeys. But we will continue to advocate for the considerations of capex and opex when testing for overallocations and any amendments to the level of phase-down in the future. We recommended amending the Act to include new emission sources or including new sources through secondary legislation. We emphasised the inclusion of CO2 feedstock. This has been included. The same goes for combusting waste tyres. We are pleased with this outcome. New products can now be added to existing activities and provisional data can be used. We are pleased with this outcome. Yet initial eligibility will be restricted to moderately intensive levels.
Improving market governance of the NZ ETS | February 28, 2023Environment & InfrastructureImproving market governance of the NZ ETS
February 28, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-02-28
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: MfE has outlined options to regulate NZU market based on financial legislation, including the regulation of NZU advice and transactional services, and disclosure of transaction reporting. The consultation document also raises the possibility of establishing a Government-run/funded NZU exchange. The Ministry seeks consultation on this option. In regards to forming a centralized exchange, BEC believes this option is clearly beyond regulation, and is a direct intervention in an already established market. The intervention could lead to a significant market disruption and confer market power on the chosen exchange operator. Moreover, there remains little to no evidence that there is a problem with the existing incumbent exchanges. Regulating NZUs may add additional costs for participants, creating compliance burdens in the form of ongoing fees and license requirements. This could mean less liquidity and deter market entry. There remains a lack of clarity on whether the regulations will not restrict contractual arrangements for NZU supply, including offtake agreements and contractual opt-in arrangements between energy suppliers and users. BEC is pleased to see that the original proposal to have potential position and purchasing limits has been dropped. The option to improve transaction reporting has merit. However, there is no clarity on how information will be consolidated and published publicly. BEC does not support option three, full transaction reporting, as the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information is vital. Aggregate data should only be used, not organizational/individual data should be disclosed.
Outcome: Awaiting the Government's decision
Outcome: Awaiting the Government's decision
Advocacy Map
- Three Year Review of the CPTPP – Inclusive Trade Action Group | September 30, 2022Export & Trade
Three Year Review of the CPTPP – Inclusive Trade Action Group
September 30, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-09-30
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: At the time of signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), New Zealand, together with Canada and Chile, signed the Joint Declaration on Fostering Progressive and Inclusive Trade (attached). The Joint Declaration founded the Inclusive Trade Action Group and, amongst other provisions, committed New Zealand to reviewing the effectiveness of the CPTPP three years after entry into force. MFAT asked for input into this review process.
Action: ExportNZ wrote a letter to MFAT with our feedback on the impact of the CPTPP on inclusive trade.
Outcome: MFAT will finalise their review in October 2022.
Action: ExportNZ wrote a letter to MFAT with our feedback on the impact of the CPTPP on inclusive trade.Outcome: MFAT will finalise their review in October 2022.Modernising Our Export Assurances Systems: Legislative Options | September 29, 2022Export & TradeModernising Our Export Assurances Systems: Legislative Options
September 29, 2022Submitting To: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-09-29
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: MPI requested feedback on legislative options for food and fibre exports to help them regulate in response to overseas market access requirements.
Action: ExportNZ and the New Zealand International Business Forum wrote in support of Legislative Option One which would allow for for the legislation for new export requirements to be put in place for food and fibre exports that are outside the scope of the Animal Products Act and Wine Act.
Outcome: Awaiting the next stage of the process, expect MPI to have selected an option and will consult again.
Action: ExportNZ and the New Zealand International Business Forum wrote in support of Legislative Option One which would allow for for the legislation for new export requirements to be put in place for food and fibre exports that are outside the scope of the Animal Products Act and Wine Act.Outcome: Awaiting the next stage of the process, expect MPI to have selected an option and will consult again.ExportNZ Letter of Support for the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill | August 21, 2022Export & TradeExportNZ Letter of Support for the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill
August 21, 2022Submitting To: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select Committee
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-08-21
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: Export New Zealand (ExportNZ) welcomes the opportunity to submit on the international treaty examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement (UK-NZ FTA).
Action: ExportNZ wrote, for the second time, to the FADT Select Committee in support of the passing of the UK Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill and the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.
Outcome: Awaiting next Reading in the House
Action: ExportNZ wrote, for the second time, to the FADT Select Committee in support of the passing of the UK Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill and the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.Outcome: Awaiting next Reading in the HouseNew Zealand’s Participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity | June 20, 2022Export & TradeNew Zealand’s Participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
June 20, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-06-20
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: MFAT have asked for submissions on New Zealand's participation in the US-initiative "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity". The Framework is designed to re-engage the US in the Indo-Pacific through four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation; and Tax & Anti-Corruption.
Action: ExportNZ believes there are significant opportunities and positive outcomes for New Zealand should it be involved in the Framework and we, therefore, lend our initial support to New Zealand’s participation in IPEF. In particular, ExportNZ supports New Zealand’s participation in three of the four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; and Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation.
Outcome: Awaiting Decision from MFAT on NZ Participation.
Action: ExportNZ believes there are significant opportunities and positive outcomes for New Zealand should it be involved in the Framework and we, therefore, lend our initial support to New Zealand’s participation in IPEF. In particular, ExportNZ supports New Zealand’s participation in three of the four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; and Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation.Outcome: Awaiting Decision from MFAT on NZ Participation.ExportNZ Submission on the International Treaty Examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement | March 13, 2022Export & TradeExportNZ Submission on the International Treaty Examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement
March 13, 2022Submitting To: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select Committee
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-03-13
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: Export New Zealand (ExportNZ) welcomes the opportunity to submit on the international treaty examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement (UK-NZ FTA).
Action: ExportNZ believes the UK-NZ FTA achieves these aims and we support the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.
Outcome: Ongoing
Action: ExportNZ believes the UK-NZ FTA achieves these aims and we support the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.Outcome: Ongoing- Southern Cross BusinessNZ 2021 Workplace Wellness Survey | April 27, 2021Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Southern Cross BusinessNZ 2021 Workplace Wellness Survey
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Issue for Business: The survey is used to consider the scale of absenteeism in New Zealand, how much employers are doing to assist employees with health and wellness, and where, if any, there are gaps. This year, the survey will look at how COVID-19 has impacted New Zealand workplaces. Specifically, it will investigate how the pandemic has impacted workplace absence, policies regarding sick leave and whether employees continue to work while unwell, and the extent to which businesses have changed their working from home practices.
Action: The questionnaire is currently in the field till early May.
Outcome: Once the results are analysed, a report is expected to be released around July/August.
Action: The questionnaire is currently in the field till early May.Outcome: Once the results are analysed, a report is expected to be released around July/August.
- Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry feedback | May 23, 2023Immigration, Education, Skills & Training
Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry feedback
May 23, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2023-05-23
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ provided feedback to the Government's response to the Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry. BusinessNZ advised a Government Policy Statement was not necessary to better co-ordinate labour market supply channels, and that Te Tiriti o Waitangi centric immigration policy required further clarification before commenting.
Action: Consult with members and submit to MBIE
Action: Consult with members and submit to MBIEThe future of workforce supply | February 9, 2023Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingThe future of workforce supply
February 9, 2023Submitting To: BusinessNZIssue for Business:Submitting to: BusinessNZ
Author: BusinessNZ
Date: 2023-02-09
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: Business New Zealand asked Sense Partners to summarise the current state and outlook for New Zealand’s pipeline of talent, related issues, and opportunities. We found that labour shortages have intensified over time and will intensify further with an ageing population. The issue is global and hence the competition for talent will also be global. While we have used immigration as an important source of labour in the past, we will need to be more consistent and deliberate on our immigration policy in the face of global demand for talent.
Reform of Vocational education. | April 27, 2021Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingReform of Vocational education.
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ is supportive of the ambition of RoVE to create a more effective and efficient system to deliver the skills industry needs. We remain mindful of the challenge of large-scale change and the risk of disruption to the skills pipeline, particularly given the challenging immigration settings. The positive response to Apprenticeship boost from business is heartening, and we are working to make sure that businesses continue to have access to support to ensure we can continue building the skills pipeline in years to come.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on Workforce Development Council OIC, and is working with officials on governance for Worforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups.
Outcome: BusinessNZ immigration and skills manager Rachel Simpson is working to accelerate workforce planning to meet skill challenges.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on Workforce Development Council OIC, and is working with officials on governance for Worforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups.Outcome: BusinessNZ immigration and skills manager Rachel Simpson is working to accelerate workforce planning to meet skill challenges.Border and immigration settings | April 27, 2021Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingBorder and immigration settings
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ is focused on the retention of skills (extensions, family reunification, removal of three-year stand down). We are also engaging with Government on plans for border opening and resuming visa processing (exemption settings, bubbles, vaccine passports, MIQ plans), future immigration settings, employer assisted visa settings and investor category visa settings
Action: We have submitted advice on this and continue to work with officials and Ministers on the issues.
Action: We have submitted advice on this and continue to work with officials and Ministers on the issues.- Crown Minerals Amendment Bill | January 23, 2023Resource
Crown Minerals Amendment Bill
January 23, 2023Submitting To: The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-01-23
Category: Resource
Issue for Business: The amendment to the Bill introduces and amends several changes. Firstly, the Bill introduces statutory requirements for the mineral extracting sector to engage with iwi and hapu. BEC supports the underlying premise and intent of the amendment. However, BEC questions the policy problem, considering the industry largely has a good working relationship with iwi and hapu already. The statutory requirement runs the risk of creating a tick-box exercise, with the industry complying with the minimum. Secondly, the Bill amends the wording 'promote' the prospecting and extraction of crown owned minerals with ''manage.'' The amendment also changes ''promote permitting'' with 'offer permits from time to time.' BEC notes that these last two amendments seem minor and relatively insignificant. However, they both send a clear anti-mining signal, and is likely to deteriorate investor sentiment towards New Zealand's minerals sector. Throughout the submission, BEC reiterates the ongoing importance of adequate critical minerals supply throughout the energy transition. BEC believes the changed wording should not proceed.
Outcome: Ongoing. The Bill remains in select committee.
Outcome: Ongoing. The Bill remains in select committee.Proposed Regulations to support the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Bill | September 7, 2021ResourceProposed Regulations to support the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Bill
September 7, 2021Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Emily Calvert
Date: 2021-09-07
Category: Resource
Tags: Oil and Gas
Issue for Business: Submission from BusinessNZ and BEC The focus is on the multiple layers of requirements introduced, sovereign risk issues, the effect on investment and likely impacts to energy security and affordability. Also restate our opposition to the perpetual liability issues created by the draft Bill, which holds permit and licence holders liable for decommissioning costs, even if they transfer out of a permit
Action: Submission close 7 September 2021. Comments due by close of business Monday 1 September 2021.
Action: Submission close 7 September 2021. Comments due by close of business Monday 1 September 2021.Responsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resource Strategy | September 20, 2019ResourceResponsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resource Strategy
September 20, 2019Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Tina Schirr
Date: 2019-09-20
Category: Resource
Issue for Business: The purpose of a strategy is to help shape an eventual set of actions. Its purpose is to act as a touch-stone against which subsequent actions can be prioritised. It acts as a tool to guide the allocation of resources to highest value use. This then gives meaning to one of its other key roles – that is, to act as an accountability mechanism to ensure that the highest value outputs (as inferred by the strategy) are being delivered. As a broad, generally accepted characterisation of the purpose and role of a strategy, we are left somewhat confused by ‘Responsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resources Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand: 2019 -2029’. We are quite simply unsure what to make of this ‘strategy’ – both in terms of how to understand its meaning and therefore impact, and what action to recommend to our members to take as a result of it
Electricity Pricing Review | March 22, 2019ResourceElectricity Pricing Review
March 22, 2019Issue for Business:Author: John Carnegie
Date: 2019-03-22
Category: Resource
Tags: resources
Issue for Business: The BEC supports the Panel putting consumers at the heart of the electricity price review. The options paper outlines the importance for electricity prices to be fair and affordable for consumers, as well as efficient or competitive. We recognise that even with cost-reflective, efficient prices, outcomes can emerge that are undesirable for some consumer groups. However, a competitive electricity market is a desirable objective in itself, and a strategy of mostly using competitive tools to deliver on it an appropriate one. It is important to review the market multidimensionally including affordability as one of the dimensions. Understanding the conceptual gap between what the market can reasonably be expected to deliver, and the other outcomes the Panel wishes to achieve speaks to the identification of problems and the allocation of appropriate, matching solutions.
- Customer and Product Data Bill & Accompanying Discussion Document | July 24, 2023Economy
Customer and Product Data Bill & Accompanying Discussion Document
July 24, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2023-07-24
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ previously submitted on MBIE’s Consumer Data Right (CDR) discussion document in 2020. Given where the use of consumer data is heading globally, we believe there are economic opportunities for New Zealand if the introduction of a CDR is done effectively and efficiently, and most importantly provides a pathway for innovation. Any future steps must include the needs, concerns and opportunities for the business community.
Action: Submission sent to MBIE.
Outcome: Bill to be introduced later in 2023.
Action: Submission sent to MBIE.Outcome: Bill to be introduced later in 2023.Consultation on a proposed increase to the Fire and Emergency transistional levy for 2024/25 and 2025/26 | April 27, 2023EconomyConsultation on a proposed increase to the Fire and Emergency transistional levy for 2024/25 and 2025/26
April 27, 2023Submitting To: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ)
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-04-27
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) is proposing an increase of 12.8% in the transistional levy component across all levied insurance policies for the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years to pay for the significant cost increase largely resulting for the new collective employment agreement settled in December 2022 between Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and the NZ Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU).
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission to FENZ recommending that given the significant public good aspects of many of the services provided by the FENZ, the total cost increase in the transitional levy, forecast for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, be funded from general taxation, partially compensating for the significant shortfall in FENZ's current government funding.
Outcome: FENZ are currently analysing submissions but is likely that they will proceed with their proposed policy rather than look at new funding mechanisms simply because they have discounted other methods of funding -despite the deficiencies associated with current funding methods.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission to FENZ recommending that given the significant public good aspects of many of the services provided by the FENZ, the total cost increase in the transitional levy, forecast for the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, be funded from general taxation, partially compensating for the significant shortfall in FENZ's current government funding.Outcome: FENZ are currently analysing submissions but is likely that they will proceed with their proposed policy rather than look at new funding mechanisms simply because they have discounted other methods of funding -despite the deficiencies associated with current funding methods.Business Payment Practices Regulations | February 28, 2023EconomyBusiness Payment Practices Regulations
February 28, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2023-02-28
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: Following on from BusinessNZ submission on the associated Bill for this regime late 2022, BusinessNZ also submitted on MBIE's Discussion Document that attempts to provide more details around how the regime will work, including possible measures that will be included for those that are required to comply. Overall, BusinessNZ submitted that compliance costs and the number of measures be kept to a minimum, as well as ongoing consultation with the business community to ensure a high quality regulatory outcome.
Action: Submitted on Discussion Document.
Outcome: Awaiting decisions by MBIE.
Action: Submitted on Discussion Document.Outcome: Awaiting decisions by MBIE.Review into the Future for Local Government | February 24, 2023EconomyReview into the Future for Local Government
February 24, 2023Submitting To: Local Government ReviewIssue for Business:Submitting to: Local Government Review
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-02-24
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: The Review is looking at the future for local government, including roles and responsibilites, and future funding arrangements.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission saying that many improvements are needed to the way local government operates, including more cost-benefit transparency in decision-making, better analysis of the impact on businesses of local government regulation, and more focus on the 'beneficiary pays' approach to determining payment for local government services. A more realistic approach to local government revenue streams is needed.
Outcome: The Review Team has made public its final report. Given time constraints, no changes as a result of the review will be made this side of the general election. While the final review report makes some useful recommendations e.g Govt should pay rates on Crown-owned Land and that Cabinet should consider more fully the implications of making decisions that impose added costs on Local Government, by and large the report promotes a number of dubious concepts which are likely to make planning decisions even more difficult. At the same time they have effectively rejected the 'beneficiary pays' principle that both the Productivity Commission and Business Organisations have supported.
Action: BusinessNZ has made a submission saying that many improvements are needed to the way local government operates, including more cost-benefit transparency in decision-making, better analysis of the impact on businesses of local government regulation, and more focus on the 'beneficiary pays' approach to determining payment for local government services. Amore realistic approach to local government revenue streams is needed.Outcome: The Review Team is currently analysing submissions and will be reporting back to the Minister for local government later this year. Given time constraints, it will be most unlikely that any changes as a result of the review will be made this side of the general election.Five-year review of the Monetary Policy Committee Remit that guides monetary policy decisions | January 27, 2023EconomyFive-year review of the Monetary Policy Committee Remit that guides monetary policy decisions
January 27, 2023Submitting To: Reserve Bank of New ZealandIssue for Business:Submitting to: Reserve Bank of New Zealand
Author: John Pask
Date: 2023-01-27
Category: Economy
Issue for Business: The purpose is to get feedback on the Remit that guides decision-making by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on monetary policy and Official Cash Rate (OCR) Adjustments.
Action: BusinessNZ's submission broadly supports the policy discussions on issues outlined within the Consultation Paper, including the Reserve Bank's recognition of the need to avoid having too many objectives for monetary policy and hence the decision to deem distributional and climate change issues as being 'out of scope'.
Outcome: The Reserve Bank has now completed its 5-yearly review and has clarified that 'house price sustainability' is not an operational objective of the Monetary Policy Committee remit. Recently the RB dropped consideration of including 'mitigating climate change' and 'fighting wealth and income inequality' in its remit. BusinessNZ considers this sensible as these issues are best tackled by other institutions, whereas the RB should be focused principally on price stability.
Action: BusinessNZ's submission broadly supports the policy discussions on issues outlined within the Consultation Paper, including the Reserve Bank's recognition of the need to avoid having too many objectives for monetary policy and hence the decision to deem distributional and climate change issues as being 'out of scope'.Outcome: The Reserve Bank will use feedback to inform their advice to the Minister of Finance on whether the Remit should be replaced or amended.- Consultation on ACC’s Accredited Employers’ Programme | November 6, 2022Employment Relations
Consultation on ACC’s Accredited Employers’ Programme
November 6, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2022-11-06
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: ACC is recommending changes to the Accredited Employers Programme which allows large employers to cover their employees’ claims for work injuries in return for a reduction in their ACC employer levies. BusinessNZ's submission to MBIE responds to the proposed changes.
Pay equity | April 27, 2021Employment RelationsPay equity
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: The Equal Pay Amendment Act was passed on November 6, 2020. Prior to its passage a range of claims had been made in the state sector, these have been dealt with using the set of principles developed by the Pay Equity Joint Working Group chaired by Dame Patsy Reddy, and since enshrined in the law. Since the Act was passed a further claim has been made for Early Childhood workers. This is the first real challenge for the Act given the large number of employers working in a sector characterised by a lack of coordination between the various employers’ groups.
Action: The government has set up a Data Repository to capture claims data as claims are settled, providing a research base for future claims.
Outcome: BusinessNZ is a member of the governance group of the Repository, to ensure that data relating to claims in the private sector are managed with appropriate recognition of privacy and commercial confidentiality.
Action: The government has set up a Data Repository to capture claims data as claims are settled, providing a research base for future claims.Outcome: BusinessNZ is a member of the governance group of the Repository, to ensure that data relating to claims in the private sector are managed with appropriate recognition of privacy and commercial confidentiality.Fair Pay Agreements | April 27, 2021Employment RelationsFair Pay Agreements
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: The current government was elected in 2017 with a commitment to introduce Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs). Fair pay agreements are a set of terms and conditions of employment for an occupational group or sector. They will be agreed through bargaining between affected workers and employers, and will then become legal requirements in that sector. The Fair Pay Agreements Working Group (FPAWG) delivered its report to the Government in December 2018. This was followed in 2019 by a national consultation document that sought views on the Work Group’s recommendations. After discussions with Business NZ Zealand First indicated that the issues for business were significant, they did not support the development of FPAs and the process was stalled. Subsequent to the 2020 Election the majority Labour Government indicated that it would move ahead with implementing FPAs and is now working through the complex policy issues related to establishing what is in essence an old award system.
Action: In addition to discussions with New Zealand First, in July 2019, BusinessNZ expressed concerns to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the compulsory nature of the proposed FPAs, arguing that they breach the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 – conventions which the New Zealand Government has ratified. Therefore if the Government passed legislation compelling organisations to participate in FPAs it would be a breach of its international commitments. This would have signifcnat reputational implications for the Government, and subject it to deeper international scrutiny.
Outcome: The ILO has approached the government several times for comment. The Government has yet to respond.
Action: In addition to discussions with New Zealand First, in July 2019, BusinessNZ expressed concerns to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) about the compulsory nature of the proposed FPAs, arguing that they breach the Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention 1949 – conventions which the New Zealand Government has ratified. Therefore if the Government passed legislation compelling organisations to participate in FPAs it would be a breach of its international commitments. This would have signifcnat reputational implications for the Government, and subject it to deeper international scrutiny.Outcome: The ILO has approached the government several times for comment. The Government has yet to respond.The Holidays Act | January 27, 2021Employment RelationsThe Holidays Act
January 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Paul Mackay
Date: 2021-01-27
Category: Employment Relations
Issue for Business: From around 2014 it became apparent that many employers were not applying the Holidays Act correctly when calculating Holiday Pay. Arrears in many cases totaled tens of millions of dollars. Previous reviews aimed at clarifying the current Act pointed to systemic problems. In late 2018, following a joint approach from BusinessNZ and the NZ Council of Trade Unions, the Government commissioned a full review of the Holidays Act. Whilst the Government received the recommendations of the Holidays Act review Working Group, it took no action until 2021. The Government has agreed to amend the Act in line with the recommendations of the Working Group Separately from the review, the Government has chosen to make two additional changes not supported by BusinessNZ, and outside the terms of reference of the review of the Act. These are; • increasing the minimum sick leave entitlements • introduction of a new Matariki public holiday Still further changes are imminent via a private members bill that that introduces an additional category of bereavement leave for instances where an employee has suffered a miscarriage. While these are all valid reasons for people to take leave, the creation of additional entitlements creates additional costs for employers at a time when even small increases are significant. BusinessNZ estimates that the introduction of additional sick leave and Matariki will remove approximately 8 million person days per year from national productivity.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on the Amendment Bill
Outcome: The report of the Holidays Act Task force was released on 23 February 2021, having been accepted by Cabinet in its entirety. The Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill is currently in the Select Committee stages in Parliament, while a Bill to enact Matariki is expected later this year.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on the Amendment BillOutcome: The report of the Holidays Act Task force was released on 23 February 2021, having been accepted by Cabinet in its entirety. The Holidays (Sick Leave) Amendment Bill is currently in the Select Committee stages in Parliament, while a Bill to enact Matariki is expected later this year.- Ensuring an Orderly Thermal Transition | July 28, 2023Energy
Ensuring an Orderly Thermal Transition
July 28, 2023Submitting To: Electricity AuthorityIssue for Business:Submitting to: Electricity Authority
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-07-28
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The EA has assessed the risk of an disorderly exit of thermal electricity generation. The Authority considers the risks to be low. Based on their assessment with modelling done by Concept Consulting, thermal generators experience net-cash flow volatility, depending on the type of generator. But overall they remain positive. They believe current market settings provide sufficient signals to existing thermal to remain in the system. This submission outlines BEC's response to several issues and matters raised. Among the several considerations mentioned in the submission, below are a few: 1. BEC believes this assessment should be ongoing because is the risk is ongoing. 2. BEC recommends that the Authority's analysis should be broadened to encompass a more comprehensive, contestable and open assessment. 3. We agree, in theory, a decrease in demand may not necessarily lead to a disorderly phase-out of thermal generation. However, at present, market participants express their deep concern about the lack of incentives and returns to justify the investment into a fast start peaking plant. This is concerning. 4. Gas supply in the broader conversation about sufficient thermal capacity must be considered adequately. 5. Existing policy uncertainty, including proposals like the NZ Battery Project and the 100% renewable electricity target, is severely damaging the investment feasibility of building new peaking plant. Abandoning the proposal would restore much needed certainty and investor confidence.
Input Methodology Review 2023 regarding EDBs | July 19, 2023EnergyInput Methodology Review 2023 regarding EDBs
July 19, 2023Submitting To: Commerce CommissionIssue for Business:Submitting to: Commerce Commission
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-07-19
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The Commission's draft decision largely retains the current methodology. This may not be prudent considering the evolving needs of electrification. There are instances where the Commission proposes changes that are retrograde steps, such as reductions to the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) percentiles for EDBs, which seem questionable given the need for investment in decarbonisation and the transition away from being less dependent on thermal generation. The WACC impacts financiability by acting as a building block for the rate of regulated return – the return that a regulated network can earn on investments. Implementing a steady state or incremental approach, in this context, could possibly slow electrification, and thus jeopardise the country’s energy transition. Insufficient allowances for network companies would likely result in a slower and impeded transition, making it more challenging for the country to meet its international commitments to achieve net-zero emissions within the designated timeframe.
Strengthening national direction on renewable electricity generation and transmission | June 1, 2023EnergyStrengthening national direction on renewable electricity generation and transmission
June 1, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-01
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The Government has announced two new National Policy Statements on the national direction for renewable electricity and transmission. The Problem: the existing statements have failed to provide national direction, due to weaker or missing language. This ineffectiveness is compounded by stronger policy statements in competing areas, like NPS-FM or NPS-HPL. National direction and additional emphasis on nation significance must be provided to reduce consenting uncertainty, and provide decision-makers more weight to consider and grant consent for new renewable electricity and transmission infrastructure. BEC is pleased that the Government understands, and acknowledges, the increasing need to build this infrastructure to help meet New Zealand's climate targets. In some places, the NPS is an improvement. In others, it is a step-backwards. BEC outlines several problems with the proposed statements. This submission outlines several problems with the statements wording that must be addressed if New Zealand is to have an effective NPS-REG & ET. However, fundamentally, BEC notes that an NPS is limited in its ability to speed up and reduce the cost of NZ's costly and cumbersome consenting process. The RMA itself must be reformed. BEC refers to BusinessNZ's submission outlining the problems with the RMA's replacements - SPB and NBE, and how they can be improved.
Charging our future: discussion document | May 11, 2023EnergyCharging our future: discussion document
May 11, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Transport (MoT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Transport (MoT)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-05-11
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: The paper outlines a system-wide vision and five proposed long-term outcomes to support the rollout of charging infrastructure in New Zealand. In response to the paper, BEC outlines some of the barriers and challenges public charger providers and electricity distribution businesses (EDBs) face, and are likely to face, as the uptake of electric vehicles accelerates. BEC supports a strategy for EV charging infrastructure. BEC recommends removing or alleviating these barriers should be the focus of the strategy, enabling businesses and investors to roll-out EV charging infrastructure without large regulatory, process and cost constraints standing in the way. BEC believes this interagency group should partner with the private sector by identifying problems and barriers, and doesn't prefer other options tabled, like the formation of a new agency and entity. BEC believes the heavy lifting will be provided by market players, and the Government has limited role in public EV charging provision in the early stages if market failures arise. But any analysis of determining a market failure must be rigorous, and rightly identify areas where chargers are needed. BEC questions the need for targets, considering the relatively arbitrary nature of targets and wider regulatory interventions, like compulsory EV charging in new builds. BEC recommends application processes can be streamlined across NZ's 29 EDBs. The processes vary in time and cost. BEC's submission outlines the cost of connecting a charger to the grid, which can vary, but is a large barrier. A new connection can substantial increase the cost of connecting, and weaken the commerciality of installing an public EV charger. However, EDBs need the revenue to fund their increase in capital expenditure. Undoubtedly, the issue of reducing reducing cost inevitably turns to who pays?
Enabling investment in offshore renewable energy – discussion document | April 14, 2023EnergyEnabling investment in offshore renewable energy – discussion document
April 14, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-04-14
Category: Energy
Issue for Business: Under the Government's ERP, they have promised to create a regulatory regime for the feasibility, construction, operation and decommissioning of offshore renewable energy by 2024. MBIE's discussion document outlines how the regime could work and raised questions on how it should work. BEC supports, and applauds, the Government's commitment to creating this regime, and has provided feedback to MBIE's questions: 1.) BEC supports a developer-led approach, not a government-led approach. 2.) BEC supports a permitting regime that creates exclusive rights to undertake feasibility studies, and the exclusive right to apply for construction and operation once the feasibility has concluded. 3.) BEC supports a 'use-it-or-lose-it' provision and recommend periodic reports demonstrating how activities are progressing to safeguard against 'land banking.' 4.) BEC recommends resolving the issue of overlapping permit applications by implementing a merit-based assessment and a negotiation mechanism. 5.) BEC recommends a permit duration of ten years. 6.) BEC questions the need for a national interest test. A test will already occur with the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) approval of overseas funds. 7.) BEC supports the involvement of iwi, hapū and whanau, but believes any requirements should not be onerous and overly prescriptive. 8.) BEC recommends a broad technical criterion, and a narrow financial criterion, to ensure developers are suitable, competent and capable, without 'locking-out' a diversity of developers and worsening competition. 9.) BEC believes that the final decision on granting permits should be made by a relevant decision maker, not the Minister.
- The Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) | August 11, 2023Environment & Infrastructure
The Review of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS)
August 11, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-08-11
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The Government has decided to review the Emissions Trading Scheme. Their aim is to rebalance the ETS to account for more gross emission reductions. This was set out in the Emissions Reduction Plan and inform by recommendations from the Climate Change Commission. 1.) The ETS has severely damaged confidence in the carbon market. One objective ought to be to restore such confidence. 2.) We recommend that the Government promptly rules out retrospective changes to current NZU rights, providing stability and predictability of the ETS regime for businesses and investors. 3.) Any changes need to be grounded in key principles: flexibility, stability, cost-effectiveness, simplicity and optionality. 4.) We recommend conducting a comprehensive quantitative analysis to determine the level of gross emission reductions intended up to 2050 before any options are decided. 5.) This should include an assessment of the costs and benefits of each option in rebalancing the ETS towards more gross reductions. 6.) Alongside the assessment of current options, we recommend assessing non-ETS measures aimed at managing and controlling afforestation. 7.) We would like to see a comprehensive assessment of all aspects impacting afforestation economics and potential planting. 8.) This should include undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the potential amount and types of land suitable for afforestation in the permanent exotic forestry category. 9.) We recommend to account for constraints beyond the ETS. 10.) We do not support any option at this stage due to the lack of detail and inadequate acknowledgement of non-ETS measures that could address the stated problem.
Outcome: This marks the beginning of the ETS review. Future changes are expected in the future.
Outcome: This marks the beginning of the ETS review. Future changes are expected in the future.2023 Draft advice to inform the strategic direction of the Government’s second emissions reduction plan | June 20, 2023Environment & Infrastructure2023 Draft advice to inform the strategic direction of the Government’s second emissions reduction plan
June 20, 2023Submitting To: Climate Change CommissionIssue for Business:Submitting to: Climate Change Commission
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-20
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The Commission released its advice to inform the Government's second ERP. The advice outlines numerous recommendations on the strategic direction of the Government's policy direction across multiple sectors, including but not limited to, energy, industrial users and agriculture. BusinessNZ and BEC commented on several sections based on the impact upon climate change policy, and their relative consequence upon the broader business community. This submission clarifies and reinforces BusinessNZ/BEC's position on the role of gross and net emission reductions, the role of forestry, the integration of CCUS into the ETS, the Government's NDC target (and fiscal implications), the impact of policy uncertainty, RMA barriers and the important role of thermal in NZ's energy system.
Annual updates to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme limits and price control settings | June 16, 2023Environment & InfrastructureAnnual updates to the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme limits and price control settings
June 16, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-06-16
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: This submission is a response to MfE's proposed changes to the ETS price and unit settings. We outlined several recommendations and discussion points: 1.) We recommend conducting fewer reviews of price and unit settings and providing clarity on the balance between gross and net reductions. 2.) We recommend avoiding premature reductions in the stockpiled units. 3.) We support maintaining the status quo regarding the CCR and price floor to prevent this from becoming a reference point for particularly high prices. 4.) We emphasise that external constraints exist outside of the ETS that limit the effectiveness of a higher price signal. 5.) We recommend the Government proactively releases any market moving announcements before quarterly auctions, providing market participants sufficient to react to policy changes. The submission outlines the justification for each recommendation and statement.
Outcome: The High Court ordered the Government to reconsider ETS settings agreed to last year after a judicial review brought by the Lawyers for Climate Action. The Government has recognized the Court's decision and has agreed to the Climate Change Commission's 2022 recommendations on unit and price settings. This has overruled the proposed settings outlined in this consultation. Has a result there will be: 1. The CCR will be split into two-tiers. 2. Tier 1 of the CCR will increase from $82 to $173.00 3. The auction floor will rise from $33.06 to $60.00 4. There will be 17.6 million fewer NZUs auctioned over 2023-2028.
Climate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill | April 6, 2023Environment & InfrastructureClimate Change Response (Late Payment Penalties and Industrial Allocation) Amendment Bill
April 6, 2023Submitting To: Environment Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Environment Select Committee
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-04-06
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: The amendment bill updates and changes several provisions within the Climate Change Response Act (CCRA) regarding industrial allocations (IA) under the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS). BusinessNZ Energy Council supports this Bill, with amendments. We support updating IA eligibility thresholds to better reflect the higher carbon price and risk of carbon leakage. We support new activity provisions within the Bill. We support changes to the EAF's methodology and information sharing. On the matter of baseline resetting, we support a one-off change to the years used for collecting data on emissions intensity. This protects the integrity of the ETS going forward. However, we oppose continued baseline reviews every ten years, and the power to rest baselines every five years if the over-allocation test is met. This provision strips away the signal to invest in step-change decarbonisation projects. Large projects resulting in significant step changes would not proceed, as the economic returns would not outweigh the large opex and capex associated with a project. This is undesirable for the environment and the Government’s targets.
Outcome: Notwithstanding several amendments, the Bill remained largely in its current state. We advocated strongly for amending the provisions to include a consideration for capex and opex when testing the overallocation of units, and when amending the phase-down of the level of assistance. Unfortunately, this has not been included. This is disappointing as it creates, and adds to, the significant policy uncertainty for EITE firms throughout their decarbonisation journeys. But we will continue to advocate for the considerations of capex and opex when testing for overallocations and any amendments to the level of phase-down in the future. We recommended amending the Act to include new emission sources or including new sources through secondary legislation. We emphasised the inclusion of CO2 feedstock. This has been included. The same goes for combusting waste tyres. We are pleased with this outcome. New products can now be added to existing activities and provisional data can be used. We are pleased with this outcome. Yet initial eligibility will be restricted to moderately intensive levels.
Improving market governance of the NZ ETS | February 28, 2023Environment & InfrastructureImproving market governance of the NZ ETS
February 28, 2023Submitting To: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for the Environment (MfE)
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-02-28
Category: Environment & Infrastructure
Issue for Business: MfE has outlined options to regulate NZU market based on financial legislation, including the regulation of NZU advice and transactional services, and disclosure of transaction reporting. The consultation document also raises the possibility of establishing a Government-run/funded NZU exchange. The Ministry seeks consultation on this option. In regards to forming a centralized exchange, BEC believes this option is clearly beyond regulation, and is a direct intervention in an already established market. The intervention could lead to a significant market disruption and confer market power on the chosen exchange operator. Moreover, there remains little to no evidence that there is a problem with the existing incumbent exchanges. Regulating NZUs may add additional costs for participants, creating compliance burdens in the form of ongoing fees and license requirements. This could mean less liquidity and deter market entry. There remains a lack of clarity on whether the regulations will not restrict contractual arrangements for NZU supply, including offtake agreements and contractual opt-in arrangements between energy suppliers and users. BEC is pleased to see that the original proposal to have potential position and purchasing limits has been dropped. The option to improve transaction reporting has merit. However, there is no clarity on how information will be consolidated and published publicly. BEC does not support option three, full transaction reporting, as the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information is vital. Aggregate data should only be used, not organizational/individual data should be disclosed.
Outcome: Awaiting the Government's decision
Outcome: Awaiting the Government's decision
Advocacy Map
- Three Year Review of the CPTPP – Inclusive Trade Action Group | September 30, 2022Export & Trade
Three Year Review of the CPTPP – Inclusive Trade Action Group
September 30, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-09-30
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: At the time of signing the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), New Zealand, together with Canada and Chile, signed the Joint Declaration on Fostering Progressive and Inclusive Trade (attached). The Joint Declaration founded the Inclusive Trade Action Group and, amongst other provisions, committed New Zealand to reviewing the effectiveness of the CPTPP three years after entry into force. MFAT asked for input into this review process.
Action: ExportNZ wrote a letter to MFAT with our feedback on the impact of the CPTPP on inclusive trade.
Outcome: MFAT will finalise their review in October 2022.
Action: ExportNZ wrote a letter to MFAT with our feedback on the impact of the CPTPP on inclusive trade.Outcome: MFAT will finalise their review in October 2022.Modernising Our Export Assurances Systems: Legislative Options | September 29, 2022Export & TradeModernising Our Export Assurances Systems: Legislative Options
September 29, 2022Submitting To: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-09-29
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: MPI requested feedback on legislative options for food and fibre exports to help them regulate in response to overseas market access requirements.
Action: ExportNZ and the New Zealand International Business Forum wrote in support of Legislative Option One which would allow for for the legislation for new export requirements to be put in place for food and fibre exports that are outside the scope of the Animal Products Act and Wine Act.
Outcome: Awaiting the next stage of the process, expect MPI to have selected an option and will consult again.
Action: ExportNZ and the New Zealand International Business Forum wrote in support of Legislative Option One which would allow for for the legislation for new export requirements to be put in place for food and fibre exports that are outside the scope of the Animal Products Act and Wine Act.Outcome: Awaiting the next stage of the process, expect MPI to have selected an option and will consult again.ExportNZ Letter of Support for the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill | August 21, 2022Export & TradeExportNZ Letter of Support for the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill
August 21, 2022Submitting To: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select Committee
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-08-21
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: Export New Zealand (ExportNZ) welcomes the opportunity to submit on the international treaty examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement (UK-NZ FTA).
Action: ExportNZ wrote, for the second time, to the FADT Select Committee in support of the passing of the UK Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill and the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.
Outcome: Awaiting next Reading in the House
Action: ExportNZ wrote, for the second time, to the FADT Select Committee in support of the passing of the UK Free Trade Agreement Legislation Bill and the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.Outcome: Awaiting next Reading in the HouseNew Zealand’s Participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity | June 20, 2022Export & TradeNew Zealand’s Participation in the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity
June 20, 2022Submitting To: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFaT)
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-06-20
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: MFAT have asked for submissions on New Zealand's participation in the US-initiative "Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity". The Framework is designed to re-engage the US in the Indo-Pacific through four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation; and Tax & Anti-Corruption.
Action: ExportNZ believes there are significant opportunities and positive outcomes for New Zealand should it be involved in the Framework and we, therefore, lend our initial support to New Zealand’s participation in IPEF. In particular, ExportNZ supports New Zealand’s participation in three of the four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; and Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation.
Outcome: Awaiting Decision from MFAT on NZ Participation.
Action: ExportNZ believes there are significant opportunities and positive outcomes for New Zealand should it be involved in the Framework and we, therefore, lend our initial support to New Zealand’s participation in IPEF. In particular, ExportNZ supports New Zealand’s participation in three of the four pillars: Fair & Resilient Trade; Supply Chain Resilience; and Infrastructure, Clean Energy, & Decarbonisation.Outcome: Awaiting Decision from MFAT on NZ Participation.ExportNZ Submission on the International Treaty Examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement | March 13, 2022Export & TradeExportNZ Submission on the International Treaty Examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement
March 13, 2022Submitting To: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: Parliamentary Foreign Affairs, Defence, and Trade Select Committee
Author: Joshua Tan
Date: 2022-03-13
Category: Export & Trade
Issue for Business: Export New Zealand (ExportNZ) welcomes the opportunity to submit on the international treaty examination of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement (UK-NZ FTA).
Action: ExportNZ believes the UK-NZ FTA achieves these aims and we support the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.
Outcome: Ongoing
Action: ExportNZ believes the UK-NZ FTA achieves these aims and we support the ratification of the UK-NZ Free Trade Agreement.Outcome: Ongoing- Southern Cross BusinessNZ 2021 Workplace Wellness Survey | April 27, 2021Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Southern Cross BusinessNZ 2021 Workplace Wellness Survey
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Stephen Summers
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Issue for Business: The survey is used to consider the scale of absenteeism in New Zealand, how much employers are doing to assist employees with health and wellness, and where, if any, there are gaps. This year, the survey will look at how COVID-19 has impacted New Zealand workplaces. Specifically, it will investigate how the pandemic has impacted workplace absence, policies regarding sick leave and whether employees continue to work while unwell, and the extent to which businesses have changed their working from home practices.
Action: The questionnaire is currently in the field till early May.
Outcome: Once the results are analysed, a report is expected to be released around July/August.
Action: The questionnaire is currently in the field till early May.Outcome: Once the results are analysed, a report is expected to be released around July/August.
- Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry feedback | May 23, 2023Immigration, Education, Skills & Training
Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry feedback
May 23, 2023Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2023-05-23
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ provided feedback to the Government's response to the Productivity Commission Immigration Inquiry. BusinessNZ advised a Government Policy Statement was not necessary to better co-ordinate labour market supply channels, and that Te Tiriti o Waitangi centric immigration policy required further clarification before commenting.
Action: Consult with members and submit to MBIE
Action: Consult with members and submit to MBIEThe future of workforce supply | February 9, 2023Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingThe future of workforce supply
February 9, 2023Submitting To: BusinessNZIssue for Business:Submitting to: BusinessNZ
Author: BusinessNZ
Date: 2023-02-09
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: Business New Zealand asked Sense Partners to summarise the current state and outlook for New Zealand’s pipeline of talent, related issues, and opportunities. We found that labour shortages have intensified over time and will intensify further with an ageing population. The issue is global and hence the competition for talent will also be global. While we have used immigration as an important source of labour in the past, we will need to be more consistent and deliberate on our immigration policy in the face of global demand for talent.
Reform of Vocational education. | April 27, 2021Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingReform of Vocational education.
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ is supportive of the ambition of RoVE to create a more effective and efficient system to deliver the skills industry needs. We remain mindful of the challenge of large-scale change and the risk of disruption to the skills pipeline, particularly given the challenging immigration settings. The positive response to Apprenticeship boost from business is heartening, and we are working to make sure that businesses continue to have access to support to ensure we can continue building the skills pipeline in years to come.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on Workforce Development Council OIC, and is working with officials on governance for Worforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups.
Outcome: BusinessNZ immigration and skills manager Rachel Simpson is working to accelerate workforce planning to meet skill challenges.
Action: BusinessNZ submitted on Workforce Development Council OIC, and is working with officials on governance for Worforce Development Councils and Regional Skills Leadership Groups.Outcome: BusinessNZ immigration and skills manager Rachel Simpson is working to accelerate workforce planning to meet skill challenges.Border and immigration settings | April 27, 2021Immigration, Education, Skills & TrainingBorder and immigration settings
April 27, 2021Issue for Business:Author: Rachel Simpson
Date: 2021-04-27
Category: Immigration, Education, Skills and Training
Issue for Business: BusinessNZ is focused on the retention of skills (extensions, family reunification, removal of three-year stand down). We are also engaging with Government on plans for border opening and resuming visa processing (exemption settings, bubbles, vaccine passports, MIQ plans), future immigration settings, employer assisted visa settings and investor category visa settings
Action: We have submitted advice on this and continue to work with officials and Ministers on the issues.
Action: We have submitted advice on this and continue to work with officials and Ministers on the issues.- Crown Minerals Amendment Bill | January 23, 2023Resource
Crown Minerals Amendment Bill
January 23, 2023Submitting To: The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select CommitteeIssue for Business:Submitting to: The Economic Development, Science and Innovation Select Committee
Author: Levi Gibbs
Date: 2023-01-23
Category: Resource
Issue for Business: The amendment to the Bill introduces and amends several changes. Firstly, the Bill introduces statutory requirements for the mineral extracting sector to engage with iwi and hapu. BEC supports the underlying premise and intent of the amendment. However, BEC questions the policy problem, considering the industry largely has a good working relationship with iwi and hapu already. The statutory requirement runs the risk of creating a tick-box exercise, with the industry complying with the minimum. Secondly, the Bill amends the wording 'promote' the prospecting and extraction of crown owned minerals with ''manage.'' The amendment also changes ''promote permitting'' with 'offer permits from time to time.' BEC notes that these last two amendments seem minor and relatively insignificant. However, they both send a clear anti-mining signal, and is likely to deteriorate investor sentiment towards New Zealand's minerals sector. Throughout the submission, BEC reiterates the ongoing importance of adequate critical minerals supply throughout the energy transition. BEC believes the changed wording should not proceed.
Outcome: Ongoing. The Bill remains in select committee.
Outcome: Ongoing. The Bill remains in select committee.Proposed Regulations to support the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Bill | September 7, 2021ResourceProposed Regulations to support the Crown Minerals (Decommissioning and Other Matters) Amendment Bill
September 7, 2021Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Emily Calvert
Date: 2021-09-07
Category: Resource
Tags: Oil and Gas
Issue for Business: Submission from BusinessNZ and BEC The focus is on the multiple layers of requirements introduced, sovereign risk issues, the effect on investment and likely impacts to energy security and affordability. Also restate our opposition to the perpetual liability issues created by the draft Bill, which holds permit and licence holders liable for decommissioning costs, even if they transfer out of a permit
Action: Submission close 7 September 2021. Comments due by close of business Monday 1 September 2021.
Action: Submission close 7 September 2021. Comments due by close of business Monday 1 September 2021.Responsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resource Strategy | September 20, 2019ResourceResponsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resource Strategy
September 20, 2019Submitting To: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)Issue for Business:Submitting to: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
Author: Tina Schirr
Date: 2019-09-20
Category: Resource
Issue for Business: The purpose of a strategy is to help shape an eventual set of actions. Its purpose is to act as a touch-stone against which subsequent actions can be prioritised. It acts as a tool to guide the allocation of resources to highest value use. This then gives meaning to one of its other key roles – that is, to act as an accountability mechanism to ensure that the highest value outputs (as inferred by the strategy) are being delivered. As a broad, generally accepted characterisation of the purpose and role of a strategy, we are left somewhat confused by ‘Responsibly Delivering Value: A Minerals and Petroleum Resources Strategy for Aotearoa New Zealand: 2019 -2029’. We are quite simply unsure what to make of this ‘strategy’ – both in terms of how to understand its meaning and therefore impact, and what action to recommend to our members to take as a result of it
Electricity Pricing Review | March 22, 2019ResourceElectricity Pricing Review
March 22, 2019Issue for Business:Author: John Carnegie
Date: 2019-03-22
Category: Resource
Tags: resources
Issue for Business: The BEC supports the Panel putting consumers at the heart of the electricity price review. The options paper outlines the importance for electricity prices to be fair and affordable for consumers, as well as efficient or competitive. We recognise that even with cost-reflective, efficient prices, outcomes can emerge that are undesirable for some consumer groups. However, a competitive electricity market is a desirable objective in itself, and a strategy of mostly using competitive tools to deliver on it an appropriate one. It is important to review the market multidimensionally including affordability as one of the dimensions. Understanding the conceptual gap between what the market can reasonably be expected to deliver, and the other outcomes the Panel wishes to achieve speaks to the identification of problems and the allocation of appropriate, matching solutions.