After the tough economic conditions of the Global Financial Crisis, the consensus among the business community was that the John Key-led government had performed well in trying times. This approval was reflected in 98 per cent of respondents supporting Key remaining at the helm after the election that year. The economic pain of the GFC was compounded by the Christchurch …

The Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) is a “free trade” currently under negotiation between NZ and 8 other countries, including the U.S. The countries want to complete negotiation by the end of 2011. Trade is only a minor part of the agreement. That’s just a clever branding exercise. A TPPA would be an agreement that guarantees special rights to foreign investors. …

Nine months ago I wrote that “New Zealand may find itself economic toast” if it doesn’t get a comprehensive China strategy together – and fast. After a decade traipsing after various New Zealand political leaders in China, their constant refrain that the larger “developing nation” would be grateful for a little of New Zealand’s help with technical expertise and intellectual …