This paper covers a large number of proposals to reform and rationalise New Zealand’s consumer legislation. Given the increasing impact regulation is having on the economy, BusinessNZ welcomes alternative processes aimed at achieving desired outcomes without the need for further government intervention, whether at the day-to-day operational level, or involving enforcement procedures.

The Retirement Commission has raised particular issues relating to retirement income policies for this review. BusinessNZ wishes to pick up on some of these, as well as other issues we believe need addressing by the Commission.

BusinessNZ believes that many of the changes proposed in the Electricity Industry Bill, before the Finance and Expenditure Select Committee, will contribute to the delivery of a more secure, competitive electricity market and we largely support them.

BusinessNZ welcomes the release of the Ministry for the Environment’s consultation paper entitled ‘Development of Industrial Allocation Regulations under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme’, dated December 2009.

BusinessNZ welcomes the release of the Ministry for Economic Development’s consultation paper entitled ‘Proposals for Cost Recovery: Emissions Rulings Service’, dated December 2009.

BusinessNZ generally endorses the Employment Relations (Workers’ Secret Ballot for Strikes) Amendment Bill 2010 and recommended that it proceed. However, some recommendations were presented in this policy submission to improve the Bill.

ExportNZ is concerned about maintaining the international competiveness of our exporters with any strengthening of the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme as is being proposed. This effectively would catapult NZ into leading the world in terms of the stringency with which we price carbon across the NZ economy. See our submission here.

BusinessNZ considers a number of issues need to be addressed before any decision is now made on what, for the future, will be the most appropriate action to take in respect to the foreshore and seabed.

BusinessNZ did not support income splitting when it was first raised in 2008 and we continue to take that position. Therefore, we still believe there are better opportunities for Government to offer financial relief for families where warranted.

Concerns presented to the Prime Minister regarding the apparently widening disconnect between the international environment and the implementation of an all gases all sectors emissions trading scheme in New Zealand.