New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPWNZ) president Christine Berridge. The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPWNZ) urges the government to meet its commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. “BPWNZ is concerned that a recent report by the Auditor-General, on achieving the SDGs, notes a lack of strategic integration, leadership and coherent implementation across government, business and civil society,” says President Christine Berridge. “The previous government signed up to the SDGs in 2015 and very little has bee ..read more

What the Government has announced today is a start – but it won’t be nearly enough for most businesses who still have outgoing costs like rent, rates and insurance, says ACT. Times photo Wayne Martin What the Government has announced today is a start – but it won’t be nearly enough for most businesses who still have outgoing costs like rent, rates and insurance, says ACT. Times photo Wayne Martin Businesses affected by higher alert levels will be able to apply for further Resurgence Support Payments (RSP). “The Government’s RSP was initially intended as a one-off payment to help businesses wit ..read more

Overall, businesses support the Government’s call so far, but businesses are looking at what the long-term plan is, so the country can avoid lockdowns as the only way to limiting virus transmission. A quick snapshot survey of how businesses are doing at alert level four reveals that over half will be seeking government support, with calls for a further vaccine ramp up. “The consistent message we have received, from both this survey and the hundreds of phone calls we’re had, is that the only way out of Delta and get back to the new normal is through vaccination ramp up. It’s key to re-opening ..read more

nib New Zealand chief executive officer Rob Hennin says strong communication and support during the height of the pandemic saw 55 per cent of respondents report improved job satisfaction over that time, but that worryingly these levels have since dropped. It really is the small things that count – that is one of the key findings revealed as part of the inaugural EMA Workplace Wellbeing Survey in partnership with nib. The online survey of nearly 600 people – spanning all business sizes, sectors and from leadership to frontline staff – was recently conducted to better understand the link betwee ..read more

Photo applesandpears.nz Welcoming more of the Pacific workforce to New Zealand is a good move, says BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope. “Businesses across all regions and sectors are struggling with skill shortages. It is positive to see the Government applying a risk management approach to the border and allowing people – Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSE) – to come in without MIQ requirements where there is minimal risk to New Zealand. “We look forward to the Government working constructively with other industry groups to find pragmatic solutions to the current skill shortages. “This wil ..read more

Vinay Iswar suggests businesses struggling with late payers change their payment terms to seven days instead of the 20th of the following month. Photo Pixabay Many New Zealand SMEs are noticing an increase in late payments over June and July, and one accounting firm suggests that the trend may be influenced by the scarcity of affordable goods, like technology and equipment, which is pushing up prices across the board. Vinay Iswar, the managing director of Auckland, chartered accounting and business advisor firm BetterCo, says the firm is hearing reports of a sharp increase in slow payers due t ..read more

The EMA says it was widely agreed by employers, the union movement and even current government ministers that the future of work was an adaptable, fast-moving and flexible workplace. Photo by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay Newly released documents show the Government’s plan for Fair Pay Agreements did not have the support of MBIE, and Fair Pay Agreements should now be reconsidered, says BusinessNZ. Chief executive Kirk Hope says Fair Pay Agreements would cause massive industrial and commercial disruption, and there is no popular support for them o ..read more

Big increases in electricity, gas and transport costs is hitting Kiwi businesses – and it’s going to cost consumers in the end. Photo Econonord A survey of 87 large, medium and small businesses, shows big increases in electricity, gas and transport costs hitting them – and 74% of respondents said they will have to pass cost increases onto customers. The survey of businesses conducted in June, found 40% of respondents had experienced increases in electricity prices in the last 12 months and over 62% expect them to increase in the next 12 months. The average electricity ..read more

The Bill amends the retention provisions in the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) to provide increased confidence and transparency for subcontractors that retention money they are owed is safe. Photo Pixabay The Construction Contracts (Retention Money) Amendment Bill – which provides greater financial protection for subcontractors – has passed its first reading today. The Bill amends the retention provisions in the Construction Contracts Act 2002 (CCA) to provide increased confidence and transparency for subcontractors that retention money they are owed is safe. “Every worker and smal ..read more

Hospitality NZ chief executive Julie White says Typsy is a proactive initiative designed to build hospitality’s future workforce in response to the dire skills shortage caused by closed borders and the industry’s historical reliance on skilled migrants. Photo Hospitality Business An online training platform by industry for industry that could be a game-changer for a hospitality industry beset by skills shortages in New Zealand has been launched this week by Hospitality New Zealand. After an extensive global search, Hospitality New Zealand has secured Typsy to boost skills and capabilities of e ..read more