Latest publications / Insights (10)

Is Working for Families working for families? NZIER Insight 27

Working for Families (WFF) was introduced between 2004 and 2007 to "make work pay" and ensure income adequacy for families with children. The policy has reduced child poverty, drawn an extra 8,100 sole parents into some paid work, encouraged more of them to work 20 hours or more, and … Read more

Reprioritising infrastructure projects - NZIER Insight 26

The cost of Christchurch's devastating earthquakes means that the Government's prior promises to undertake specific infrastructure projects now have to be reviewed. As the Finance Ministers signalled, funding Christchurch's recovery will prompt 'a fairly hard look at our capital inves … Read more

90-day trial periods appear successful - NZIER Insight 25

The Government has recently announced that it will be extending the policy regarding 90-day trial periods for new workers to all employers, not just those with fewer than 20 employees. NZIER’s preliminary analysis suggests that this extension is likely have a positive impact on employ … Read more

Getting real on a tax-free threshold - NZIER Insight 24

Labour's proposed tax-free threshold for the first $5,000 of wages and removing GST from fresh fruit and vegetables will cost around $1.7 billion in the first year. This is to be funded by raising the top tax rate for high income earners. From an economic perspective, these proposals … Read more

High food prices will harm the New Zealand economy - NZIER Insight 23

Booming foreign demand and adverse weather conditions have led to a significant increase in global food prices. In this Insight, NZIER models the impacts of high food prices on New Zealand and finds that it's not good news for Kiwis. The article also discusses policy implications as w … Read more

Top 10 tunes suggest slow beat for economy into 2011 - NZIER Insight 22

The bands fighting it out for the coveted Christmas No.1 are in tune with the latest forecasts for the economy When we have less money to spend, we not only buy less music, but it seems we also buy different types of music. A recent study of pop music preferences over the past 501 yea … Read more

New Zealand-Russia FTA : Another BRIIC in the wall - NZIER Insight 21

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

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

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

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

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