New Zealand

NZX says reaching 200,000 dairy derivative contracts traded across its platform shows the market operator is on track to become the global hub for trading tied to New Zealand’s biggest export commodity. Trading exceeded the trading milestone this month on the NZX Global Dairy Derivatives Market, which was launched in October 2010 to offer risk management for the dairy industry It followed the establishment of Fonterra Cooperative …

New Zealand economic growth will slow over the next three years, while maintaining a “solid” pace, according to the NZ Institute of Economic Research’s consensus forecasts. The economy is expected to expand 3.3 percent in the year ending March 31, based on the median in the survey, slowing to a 2.9 percent pace in 2016, 2.8 percent in 2017 and 2.4 percent in …

“Governments that understand the need for reform must find a way of countering this lazy, reactive style of politics, just as John Key’s government has done in New Zealand.” In its first two terms the Key administration made an effort to reduce the size of government, enhance the scope for growth and tackle seemingly intractable problems in tax, welfare and …

The economic upswing is one thing, but the New Zealand economy is also going through a material transition. We’re moving from legacy to opportunity, amidst the demands of rebuilding our second-largest city, housing shortages in our largest city, demographic shifts, global wobbles and an overvalued currency. We present six themes intertwined with this journey. A common sub-theme is the heightened importance of …

Proud New Zealander David McLean has been appointed chief executive of Westpac New Zealand after performing an “outstanding” job acting in the role since August 2014 following the resignation of Peter Clare. McLean’s appointment will be highly popular with bank executives and staff. A “people person” he is credited with bringing the bank together again after a bruising period under …

Kiwi scientist Dr Phil Rolston has been awarded the Chinese Government’s most prestigious science prize for his work in grasslands seed development.  Dr Rolston, Senior Scientist at AgResearch Lincoln, received the award at a ceremony in The Great Hall of the People which was attended by President Xi Jinping, Vice-Premier Li Keqiang, and Minister of Science and Technology Wan Gang. …

Greg Hall A visit from Silicon Valley investors Sam Altman and Scott Nolan had Auckland’s startup community buzzing, with the pair coming to town as a part of a half-work/half-holiday tour of New Zealand. They’ve already seen some of what New Zealand has to offer, and on Friday joined a selection of NZ  innovators at Spark City to talk about …

This report features in-depth coverage of the Deloitte Top 200 Award 2014 winners including NZ’s top company, chief executive and chairman. We looked at dynamic trends affecting New Zealand business and how leading business executives were driving their companies in new directions through dynamic change. We also updated the diversity trends in the New Zealand workforce and looked at ‘best …

By Alan Oxley Last week’s APEC Leaders’ Meeting in Beijing was more significant than many business leaders realise – and certainly more important than the anti-trade protests that gained headlines across New Zealand. For the first time, there was a genuine agreement – and push — on  a broader Free Trade Agreement for the Asia Pacific (FTAAP). The prime mover …

There is broad global support for moves to curb international tax avoidance, New Zealand Finance Minister Bill English said on the sidelines of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brisbane. Cracking down on tax avoidance is one of the key agenda items at this weekend’s G20 Summit, where New Zealand is an invited guest. The G20 countries make up 85 percent of global economic activity …