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Business Central welcomes attempts by the government to reduce modern slavery throughout global supply chains. This is an important issue, and participation is a moral imperative for New Zealand.

Our members want to pay their employees reasonable wages that reflect the productivity of the organisation.

As part of the wider BusinessNZ network, we have engaged with the goal of creating an income insurance scheme that works equitably for employers and employees – one that helps us match skills a in 21st century economy and limits the economic damage of future employment shocks.

Nearly half of all businesses surveyed listed a shortage of skilled labour as the main barrier to their business - with 75% saying it is harder to find staff than this time last year, and a similar number experiencing increased salary expectations. 

"This fiasco has gone on too long, it’s time for answers, and time for someone to take responsibility and leadership," says Hamish Mexted, Chair of the Porirua Chamber of Commerce.

"This is having a serious impact for businesses around the Parliament and across Wellington - additional pressure especially for our many hospitality and retail businesses, who are already making tough decisions facing a downturn at the red traffic light level, with this adding to further lost re

"Omicron is spreading throughout the country, and Red level settings are pushing businesses to their limits. The sectors most desperate for government support have just been hit with another bill." 

At a time when business is recovering from ongoing pandemic shocks, facing a range of global economic challenges, and preparing for numerous significant reforms, we urge the government to exercise caution before placing unnecessary costs onto business.

The Government argues the scale and separate balance sheet will save money, enable borrowing to fund investment, take the financial pressure off councils, build capability and capacity, and make New Zealand’s water usage more sustainable. 

The proposals include recycling of the Council’s asset portfolio and the use of alternative funding tools, such as partnering with businesses to strengthen and rebuild Civic Square, to fund what Wellington needs as part of the Wellington City Council’s Ten Year Long Term Plan.

Simon, a born and bred Wellingtonian, is currently based in Melbourne and will be returning to New Zealand to take up the role. Simon will replace outgoing Chief Executive, John Milford, who finished in the role at the end of 2020.