My assessment of the meeting is that the business leaders from Japan were very supportive of TPP in principle as a means of boosting Japan’s economic growth, but are aware of the practical challenges around joining this year. They were realistic about the political challenges that PM Abe faces from domestic interests such as agriculture but were generally optimistic …

Local Government Minister Chris Tremain says the passage of the Environment Canterbury (Temporary Commissioners and Improved Water Management) Amendment Bill will leave Canterbury better off. The bill passed its third reading in Parliament yesterday. “The Commissioners have done an outstanding job in turning around the situation in Canterbury over the last three years,” saysTremain. “They have been very effective in …

Telecom Corp, the county’s biggest phone company, has appointed Lion finance director Jolie Hodson as its new top number cruncher. Hodson will take up the role of chief financial officer from June, replacing Nick Olson. She’s currently a Sydney-based finance director of Lion’s beer, spirits & wines Australia division, its biggest business unit. Telecom’s general manager of commercial finance Tim Bluett …