Commentaries

Negotiations on the other side of the world are having a ripple effect in New Zealand. The controversial Brexit talks could affect us greatly.

The political economy – the environment for doing business – changed somewhat in 2018 following the election of a coalition that many said would be bad for business. In fact, there have been some surprising policy moves led by the various Labour, NZ First and Green parts of the Government.

We’re seeing media reports and allegations about bullying in a number of workplaces – a matter of some concern. Bullying in any workplace is hurtful and harmful. It causes stress, anger, anxiety and depression, and it takes away confidence. Bullying behaviour raises the need for workplaces to take action, and I’m pleased to report that many New Zealand businesses are taking it seriously.

Concerns about privacy are growing as fast as new technology develops. Whether it’s smart watches recording vital signs or smart TVs recording private conversations, the outcome always seems to be the loss of privacy. The trade-off between providing great customer benefits using customers’ own data, and privacy loss, is a fine line and we should be aware of the risks.

The United States midterm elections were significant for New Zealand’s trade prospects but the picture has just become more clouded. New Zealand, a trade-dependent nation, needs fewer tariffs and freer trade.

New Zealand’s workforce is changing. Auckland, our largest commercial city, is ‘superdiverse’ – home to 200 different ethnicities speaking 160 languages. The diaspora help to strengthen the international relationships that underpin our export industries.

The climate change report released this week was a real wake up call. The UN intergovernmental report warns the world has only 12 years to take action to prevent drought, floods, extreme heat and poverty for hundreds of millions of people.

New Zealand’s education system is facing the most significant change in 30 years. Exciting prospects on the horizon will have a significant impact on our future workforce and the ability of Kiwi businesses to remain globally competitive.

The contentious issue of industrial relations is again making headlines, with the Education and Workforce Select Committee this week reporting back on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.

In a previous column, I wrote that in recalibrating pace and priorities, the Government should be looking at policy that will provide sustainable, inclusive growth and high-quality jobs that lead to higher incomes and make New Zealanders better off.

Businesses like certainty. It gives them the courage and confidence to invest, hire, and to help create a successful New Zealand. But we are living in uncertain times, both at home and internationally.

Low pay continues to be a matter of much debate. A recent column here suggesting New Zealand is not a low wage economy drew hundreds of comments, both in agreement and against. Evidence would suggest we are not a low-wage economy. But it’s true that we do have a number of lower paid occupations and sectors.