1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Budget 2012: A capital surprise

22 May 2012

Be prepared for a cat amongst the pigeons come Thursday, 2pm with an announcement of the introduction of a Capital Gains Tax (CGT) for New Zealand.

Budget 2012: Not even fiddling while New Zealand retirement funds burn

22 May 2012

A commitment by Prime Minister John Key in the run up to the last election not to touch the New Zealand Superannuation scheme (NZ Super) means that it will again be missing from this year’s Budget, but the whale in the fish tank is only getting bigger.

Budget 2012: Exporting our way to prosperity

21 May 2012

Having moved New Zealand’s economy wholly into the global market some years ago, the productive sector has become a key factor in the health and well-being of our country through growing the economy and enhancing the welfare of New Zealanders.

Budget 2012: A lesson from our neighbours

11 May 2012

Last Tuesday, our neighbouring Government announced its 2012 Budget. There were a number of interesting changes which are important to reflect upon in the lead up to New Zealand’s 2012 Budget.

NZ companies need to look overseas for M&A opportunities

09 May 2012

New Zealand companies need to be more active in undertaking cross-border mergers and acquisitions if we are to fully capitalise on our intellectual property, our clean-green image and the other advantages we have as a country.

Budget 2012: Exporting financial services

08 May 2012

Just over two years ago, John Key announced his desire to set up New Zealand as a financial services hub. The Ministry of Economic Development (MED) was quick to pour cold water over the idea, saying the Magna Carta of documents would need to be delivered first. Since then, a Government working groupwas set up, the International Funds Services Development Group (IFSDG), to assess the export opportunities and hurdles of this initiative.

Budget 2012: More focus on social enterprise to deliver better outcomes

02 May 2012

In the 2011 Budget, the New Zealand Government directed more than 31% of total expenditure, $22 billion, to social welfare. This was one of the most significant items of expenditure, alongside health and education. Two of the main components of social welfare expenditure were $8.8 billion to superannuitants and just under $5 billion in benefits.

Budget 2012: Saving New Zealand – how are we getting on?

27 Apr 2012

It’s been a little over a year since the Savings Working Group released its report on Saving New Zealand: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Barriers to Growth and Prosperity. The Savings Working Group was formed out of concern at the apparent poor savings position of New Zealanders.

Budget 2012: Retirement trends

24 Apr 2012

Since 1975–77, life expectancy at birth has increased by 6.7 years for women and 9.0 years for men. While differences in mortality between men and women still remain, their longevity gap has narrowed. New-born girls in 2005–07 can expect to outlive new-born boys by 4.1 years, down from the peak of 6.4 years back in 1975–77.

Tax incentives for earthquake strengthening

20 Apr 2012

As I gaze up at the beautiful 1906 heritage property a friend of mine owns in the centre of Wellington, it’s hard to believe all the problems it’s causing him. Although it’s 100’s of kilometres away from Christchurch, the effects of the 22 February 2011 earthquake have hit this property hard.