Housing reform vs populist gimmickry
It is hard to introduce populist policies without hurting the economy. That is the takeout from the Government’s decision to water down its planned restrictions on foreign property buyers. [...]
Foreign Direct Investment
Comprehensive and progressive FDI liberalisation
We should not be content for other countries to beat us on attracting investment. If we do not liberalise our FDI regime, New Zealanders will miss out. [...]
High hurdles for international newcomers
If you are concerned about New Zealand's cost of living, you should think about those regulations that have a limiting effect on supply and competition. [...]
We need to be much less restrictive in welcoming foreign direct investment
New Zealand affords itself the luxury of treating overseas investment as a privilege rather than as a necessary and desirable means of better integrating ourselves with the world, so as to make the most of what it has to offer. [...]
Foreign investment: Learning from the best
Hong Kong and New Zealand are obviously very different economies with different political and social cultures. But if we want to make the New Zealand economy more attractive to job creating international investment, we might just try to learn a thing or two from the world's best players in this business. [...]
TPP welcome, but no panacea
An extended TPP may have a positive effect on FDI – and New Zealand certainly needs to improve its FDI performance. But we should not expect the TPP to be a game-changer. Instead, we need to focus more on welcoming international investors, whether from TPP member countries or not. [...]
Beating Australia on FDI
It’s not enough for New Zealand to compete with Australia in the battle for Olympic gold. We now have to beat the Australians in the battle for foreign investment to grow the Kiwi economy. Thanks to Gillard and Abbott, New Zealand’s chances are better than ever. [...]
Let’s get to know the neighbours – they’re having an economic party
Instead of interacting across borders, why can’t we withdraw and enjoy the safety of home? Why risk becoming ‘‘tenants in our own country’’ for dubious benefits derived from foreign direct investment? [...]
Who is open for business?
It is odd that foreigners buying shares in energy companies excites kiwis so much. How many countries have a similarly emotional relationship with their utilities? [...]
Sending profits abroad is a good thing
For Australia's wealth and prosperity, it does not matter where the profits from Australian businesses end up. All that matters for the Australian economy is that Australia remains a place where business transactions take place – irrespective of who owns the business. [...]