New Zealand-Russia FTA : Another BRIIC in the wall - NZIER Insight 21
November 16, 2010
The Prime Minister and Trade Minister have announced that New Zealand will be entering free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations with Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan (RBK) with the aim of concluding talks in 2012. NZIER modelling indicates the FTA will deliver gains of around $27 million … Read more
Flight of the Kiwi : Kiwis fly to Australia in search of a better nest - NZIER Insight 20
November 3, 2010
The continuous flow of Kiwis to Australia is closely linked to Australia’s economic performance. The big difference in income between Australia and New Zealand is likely to be a major factor. Life style factors and incomes in New Zealand are still appealing enough to attract a healthy … Read more
Realistic valuations of our clean green assets - NZIER Insight 19
October 15, 2010
Would you pay over $300 to ensure native birds remain at a single lake, even if you lived far away? Maybe, or maybe not. But recent debates on mining and hydro-power developments show comparing the benefit of different uses of environmental assets is both difficult and controversial. … Read more
Tax relief, but Aussies still earn more - NZIER Insight 18
September 30, 2010
Personal tax cuts from 1 October 2010 will boost take home pay for New Zealand workers. NZIER has updated its personal tax calculators to allow comparison with Australia. New Zealand’s new personal tax regime is less onerous for high income earners than Australia’s. But as Australia’s … Read more
In defence of foreign investment - NZIER Insight 17
August 10, 2010
Globalisation does not rest easily with all. Recent public and political outcries over foreign investment in our farms and manufacturing plants attest to this. A recent TV3 poll indicates that over three-quarters of Kiwis want overseas investment rules tightened, and the Prime Ministe … Read more
Fix flawed values of statistical life and life years to get better policy outcomes - NZIER Insight 16
June 16, 2010
When taxpayers' money is spent on health and safety measures in transport and healthcare services, the decisions made implicitly or explicitly place values on saving lives and casualties. In recent years there has been a move towards using standard measures of these values so that the … Read more
To mine or not to mine … - NZIER Insight 15
March 29, 2010
The government’s proposal to remove 7,058 hectares of land from Schedule 4 restrictions on mining under the Crown Minerals Act, and to investigate further mineral resources on conservation land stirred a strong public response. It pitches the tangible potential gains of mining against … Read more
NZ, the US and trade liberalisation: don't panic! NZIER Insight 14
March 24, 2010
If one was to believe some of the recent media articles in New Zealand, it would be easy to think that we’re completely mad to be negotiating a free trade agreement with the US. We beg to differ. While no trade deal will keep everyone happy, and some difficult trade-offs will be requi … Read more
Most better off under new tax structure - NZIER Insight 13
March 9, 2010
Likely tax changes in the upcoming Budget will leave most households better off. NZIER’s preliminary estimates suggest the median household earning $65,000 a year can be better off by around $12 a week. This is the impact of a likely reduction in personal income tax and increase in GS … Read more
Bolder reforms needed to stop the rot - NZIER Insight 12
January 20, 2010
Anyone who seriously thinks that the Tax Working Group's (TWG) recommendations are radical needs a reality check. The TWG report is a valuable contribution to the economic debate, and deserves a good airing. But if New Zealand is to close the income gap with Australia, we need to do m … Read more