The New Zealand Business Roundtable is an organisation comprising primarily chief executives of major business firms committed to contributing to the development of sound policies that reflect overall national interests. It is founded on the belief that a healthy, dynamic business sector and open and competitive markets are fundamental to the achievement of a prosperous economy and fair society.

Members represent most of the large business interests in New Zealand and are drawn from all parts of the business sector. Their organisations comprise listed and private companies and other types of business enterprise, both domestically and overseas owned, primarily in the private sector.

Objectives

The NZBR is committed to contributing to the overall development of New Zealand and to promoting the interests of all New Zealanders concerned with achieving a more prosperous economy and fair society.

A healthy and dynamic business sector, generating an adequate flow of profits and investment, is seen as fundamental to the achievement of the economic, social and cultural aspirations of New Zealanders. In an open and free domestic and international market environment, the interests of the business sector are closely aligned with those of the community at large.

Perspectives

As a broadly based organisation, the NZBR's focus is the general economy rather than particular sectors or industries.

This requires it to take an objective, non-partisan and longer-term view, rather than to operate for the benefit of any one group at the expense of others. In particular, it does not seek to limit competition between its members, nor act to the detriment of consumers in New Zealand or overseas.

Private and public sector roles

The NZBR believes the living standards and general prosperity of the New Zealand community are best served by a free enterprise system and market-oriented economy. It supports the concepts of competition, entrepreneurship and risk-taking as vital to achieving economic and social progress. These require a medium-term policy framework which is neutral and consistent between sectors and organisations and is stable and predictable.

An important role for the government is seen in providing a sound framework of laws and a macroeconomic environment which facilitate private sector decision-making, and in undertaking certain activities which are best catered for within an efficient public sector. The government also has prime responsibility for necessary action to modify market outcomes in the distribution of wealth or income, and to pursue other social equity objectives in a well-considered and cost effective way.

Internal business values

The NZBR endorses the concepts of corporate responsibility, integrity, self-reliance and open and fair conduct in business practices.

Its members aim to promote, at the enterprise level, a sense of cooperation and mutual respect between management and individual employees, effective use of human skills, equal opportunities and other social goals in order to maximise employee satisfaction and improve economic performance.

Priorities and standards

The NZBR's focus is on major national issues. It seeks to engage the interest of the government and the community generally by the selection of issues it addresses and the standard adopted in its contribution to the development of national policies. The aim is to make a pro-active, professional and well-researched contribution to policy formation, rather than to adopt a traditional lobbying role. The NZBR will work with all governments in pursuit of the national interest and is concerned to be, and to be seen to be, party a-political.

As an organisation of larger businesses, the NZBR does not represent all the interests of the New Zealand commercial community. It will avoid usurping the role of sectoral and other business and community organisations and will adopt independent views reflecting broader perspectives.

Method of operation

The NZBR is concerned to be open in its analysis and advocacy, but does not seek publicity. It believes sound policies are most likely to be developed through reasoned approaches characterised by logic, objectivity and dispassionate dialogue. It is prepared to speak out on matters of national importance where a publicly presented view is judged to be constructive and warranted. Such views would be limited to issues which have been subject to full internal analysis and discussion.