A week in advocacy 

Certainty needed about moving to level 1

The BusinessNZ Network is calling for more clarity about the conditions under which businesses can move to Covid level 1 restrictions.  EMA  has received hundreds of queries from businesses about redundancies and restructuring - BusinessNZ's Kirk Hope says this shows they urgently need clarity about the conditions under which they could move to level 1.

ANZAC bubble shows promise

Moves to get tourism going again between NZ and Australia are promising.  Officials in both countries are currently working on new border processing rules for both sides of the Tasman, and  PM Jacinda Ardern says the rules could be introduced while NZ is at level 1 or 2.  BusinessNZ says an Anzac bubble would be a shot in the arm for tourism and business recovery in both NZ and Australia.

Overseas investment rules tightened

Stricter foreign investment rules are coming under a new Overseas Investment Bill.  The Economic Development Minister will have expanded powers to regulate, block or unwind investment into or the sale of ‘strategically important’ businesses (transport, infrastructure, financing, media firms), to stop them being sold below value following the Covid crisis.  BusinessNZ says the rules could mean less foreign investment, making it harder for firms to restructure in response to the pandemic.

Expanded powers over business

Other moves give expanded powers over business including a Covid-19 Public Health Act allowing officials to enter business premises without a warrant and direct it to close, and an Immigration Bill allowing the Minister to unilaterally grant or cancel work visas.  Treasury oversight of new laws has been suspended during the Covid crisis so they will not  receive Regulatory Impact (cost/benefit) Analysis.  BusinessNZ says some increased Government powers in an emergency may be appropriate, but their impact on business should be carefully considered.

Love local

Research shows more people want to buy local following the Covid crisis, and more NZ firms are now promoting their local credentials to boost sales.  Buy NZ Made reports a surge in applications to use the NZ Made trademark, and online shopping malls  ShopKiwi, Facebook Shop Australia/NZ launched last week.  The online malls are filling a massive need for online sales by NZ owned and operated businesses, ShopKiwi says.

Governance in industry training

Expressions of interest are sought for positions on interim Boards that will plan and develop Workforce Development Councils for industry training.  When established, the Councils will set skill standards and develop qualifications for six key industry sectors.  Businesspeople with experience and connections in those sectors are invited to apply for interim governance positions by 2 June.