Latest news with #KatherineRich
RNZ News
10-08-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
Businesses welcome two new seasonal visas
A Wairarapa vineyard in spring. Photo: Supplied BusinessNZ is welcoming the introduction of two new seasonal visa pathways saying they will support the agriculture and tourism sectors. The government has introduced a new three year visa and a seven month visa - each aimed at allowing experienced workers to return to the country for seasonal work. Susie speaks with BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich, who says the new visas are a common sense initiative to reduce the costs and time spent sourcing seasonal staff.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Business
- RNZ News
'Economy hits a brick wall' as services sector continues to decline
The services sector continues to decline. Photo: Unsplash The services sector continues to decline with all indicators consistent with an economy in recession. BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index (PSI) for May was down 4.1 points to 44, which was well below the long-term average of 53. Anything below 50 points indicated contraction. "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 [second quarter], and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agriculture sector," BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said. "If there was ever an argument for the provision of further stimulus from the central bank, then this is it." BusinessNZ's chief executive Katherine Rich said the services sector had been contracting for several months, apart from a small expansion in January. All key indicators for May were in contraction with negative comments from two-thirds of respondents. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence she said. "Comments noted customers spending less, delaying decisions, and responding cautiously to inflation interest rates, and broader market instability." Steel said the fall in the PSI followed the sharp decline in the Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI), which fell to 47.5 in May from 53.3 in April. "Together, they are consistent with the economy returning to recession. We're a long way from forecasting this, but the data are a reminder of just how vulnerable the economy currently is." He said the combined services and manufacturing data looked nothing short of disastrous. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
National Direction In Support Of Growth
Press Release – BusinessNZ BusinessNZ supports the intention of transitioning these changes into a new RMA framework based on clearer property rights and long-term certainty to encourage investment and growth. BusinessNZ welcomes the Government's proposed consultation on national direction under the Resource Management Act, as a step towards a better planning system. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the proposed updates in direction on infrastructure, renewable energy, housing, mining, and primary sector development, recognise New Zealand's need both to grow the economy and protect the environment. 'This is the most comprehensive overhaul of national direction we've seen, and it reflects many of the changes BusinessNZ has advocated for. We're encouraged by moves to simplify consenting for energy, housing and farming, and to replace overly complex freshwater rules that have frustrated producers without delivering better environmental outcomes,' Mrs Rich said. BusinessNZ supports the intention of transitioning these changes into a new RMA framework based on clearer property rights and long-term certainty to encourage investment and growth. 'We look forward to engaging constructively during consultation to help ensure the final package delivers on its promise to reduce red tape, restore balance, and support economic recovery,' Katherine Rich said.
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
National Direction In Support Of Growth
BusinessNZ welcomes the Government's proposed consultation on national direction under the Resource Management Act, as a step towards a better planning system. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the proposed updates in direction on infrastructure, renewable energy, housing, mining, and primary sector development, recognise New Zealand's need both to grow the economy and protect the environment. "This is the most comprehensive overhaul of national direction we've seen, and it reflects many of the changes BusinessNZ has advocated for. We're encouraged by moves to simplify consenting for energy, housing and farming, and to replace overly complex freshwater rules that have frustrated producers without delivering better environmental outcomes," Mrs Rich said. BusinessNZ supports the intention of transitioning these changes into a new RMA framework based on clearer property rights and long-term certainty to encourage investment and growth. "We look forward to engaging constructively during consultation to help ensure the final package delivers on its promise to reduce red tape, restore balance, and support economic recovery," Katherine Rich said.
Scoop
27-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
BusinessNZ Welcomes Regulatory Trim
BusinessNZ welcomes today's announcement by Minister for Regulation Hon David Seymour that Cabinet has approved the revocation of the outdated Health (Hairdressers) Regulations 1980. Small business owners in the hairdressing and barbering sector will no longer have to operate under unnecessary regulations, including mandatory chair spacing and regulated lighting levels, with dogs banned from salons and restrictions on refreshments served. With the hairdressing regulations revoked, local authorities will no longer be required to monitor the industry. The industry will still be required to meet health and safety regulations, with any risks managed under general legislation applying to all businesses. This slashing of regulations follows BusinessNZ's October 2024 report Reducing Compliance Burden on New Zealand Businesses, which outlined red tape burdens in a number of sectors including hairdressing and barbering. BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says the outcome for the hairdressing sector bodes well for the Ministry for Regulation's ongoing work reducing unnecessary and restrictive red tape. "BusinessNZ applauds the methodical and evidence-based approach the Ministry for Regulation has taken in this review. It's a model for how to tidy up the rules across other sectors. The engagement with businesses, councils and industry bodies was thorough, and the end result is a commonsense solution that still protects public health while removing duplicative and inconsistent regulation," Mrs Rich said. The Ministry for Regulation's next review will be of the telecommunications sector.
