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 …

Emerging from recession, CEOs called for ambitious economic policies, such as cuts to the corporate tax rate, mining of conservation land, and the partial privatisation of state assets. Politically, the Cabinet rated strongly, but the push for fiscal tightening to get the Government’s books under control remained, particularly with respect to schemes considered to be ‘middle class welfare’.