E-Connect: Seven Myths About Green Jobs
2 September 2010, International Policy Network
A study “Seven Myths About Green Jobs,” published in association with more than two dozens think tanks from all over the world concludes that green jobs are not as green as is being claimed by the politicians and advocates.
Perspectives: Issue 396 The Folly of Subsidising Unemployment
2 September 2010, Robert Barro
Congressman John Boehner recently suggested that President Obama replace his top economic advisers. I think he may have a point. The economic "recovery" has been disappointing, to put it mildly, and it has become increasingly clear that the blame lies with the policies of the Obama administration, not with those of its predecessor.
Media Release: Auckland Shows Benefits of Rationalising Water Businesses
2 September 2010, New Zealand Business Roundtable
This week’s announcement that customers will benefit from lower prices from the integrated water business in Auckland was predictable and good news, Business Roundtable executive director, Roger Kerr, said today.
Article: Hysteria About Employment Law: A 90 Day Wonder?
30 August 2010, Roger Kerr, the Dominion Post
Why are New Zealand unions so opposed to the government’s minor step of extending the current 90-day probation period for small firms to firms of all sizes? After all, a Department of Labour survey found the current rules were working well, with 40% of employers saying they were not likely to have made their last hire without the trial period.
Perspectives: Issue 395 Baking a Recipe for Migration
30 August 2010, Oliver Marc Hartwich
Next time you go to Sydney's Queen Victoria Building you should visit the basement. There, nestled between an accessories store and an Asian fast food outlet, you can learn a practical lesson in successful immigration policy. It can teach you all you need to know about why the integration of migrants is working in Australia and why it is failing in Europe.
Article: What’s All This About New Zealand Management?
27 August 2010, Roger Kerr, the Otago Daily Times
Last month Rebecca Macfie wrote an article in the Listener entitled “Our slack bosses”. In it she argued that “one of New Zealand’s dirtiest little secrets is that our businesses are not very well managed” and that “the poor quality of New Zealand managers is holding the country back”.
Journalist Rod Oram has made similar claims. Do they stand up to scrutiny?
Submission: Submission on Questions Arising from the Regulatory Responsibility Bill Prepared by the Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce
27 August 2010, New Zealand Business Roundtable
The Business Roundtable has supported proposals for a Regulatory Responsibility Act from the time of its 2001 report Constraining Government Regulation. We made submissions to the select committee that considered the earlier Members Bill. We agree with the Minister that the Taskforce has produced an excellent report.
Article: Savings Working Group a Good Initiative
26 August 2010, Roger Kerr, Stuff Business Day
The savings debate has not always been well-informed, and it’s good that the government has put together a well qualified group to advise it. Saving may encourage growth, but growth also encourages saving. And only a productive, growing economy can generate the goods and services people need in retirement; they can’t consume bank deposits.
Perspectives: The Myth of Food Miles
25 August 2010, Diane Katz
Consumers are increasingly being told that “local” foods—typically regarded as those grown within 100 miles of the point of purchase—are environmentally superior to foods that are grown farther away. But research suggests that this is not the case. The transport of agricultural products actually accounts for a relatively small proportion of the total energy-related emissions generated in food production. In fact, in many instances, imports have a smaller environmental “footprint” than locally produced food.
Perspectives: Issue 393 Yummy, Cloned Beef and Scare-Story Sauce
23 August 2010, Dominic Lawson
Anyone for cloned beef? Rib-eye would be my preferred cut; but that’s because it’s my usual choice at the local butcher’s. Why should a cloned version taste any less delicious or be any less nutritious? In reality, that is not going to be a choice available to the general public. The Food Standards Agency won’t authorise it.
