Stronger connections with Asia

Building stronger connections with the Asia is the focus of a new position paper launched this week, Our Future with Asia.

"New Zealand already has substantial and wide ranging interests in Asia, but further opportunities for us will open up if we are well positioned," said Prime Minister Helen Clark launching the document.

Regional co-operation is growing within Asia. New Zealand needs to be part of this trend, and the growing relationship will depend on more than just commerce. New Zealand can achieve this through various initiatives, including trade, economic and science and technology co-operation, education and cultural exchanges, development assistance and defence/security ties.

New Zealanders also need to be more 'Asia literate', gain familiarity and knowledge of Asia and its peoples. NZ's Asian communities, with their Asia-relevant skills and connections, have a role to play, and the Government is looking forward to working with the private sector in a long term, sustained commitment to Asia.

New tax policy

The government has announced its tax policy work programme to the end of 2008.

New projects:

• A discussion document on income splitting is planned for release in April, exploring the idea of making income splitting available to couples with children, to make it a more viable option for one partner to stay at home, or to work part-time, whilst caring for children.
• Simplifications for small and medium-sized businesses.
• A review of imputation rules
• New consultation on reform of international tax rules, taxation of life insurers, tax incentives to promote charitable giving,
• Proposals to exempt relocation payments and overtime meal allowances,
• An omnibus tax bill scheduled for introduction in May 2008 to include reforms currently under way, focusing on changes to international tax rules

Several large reforms are continuing:

• The Business Tax Review,
• the reform of New Zealand’s international tax rules,
• measures to increase personal savings, and
• tax changes to increase our international competitiveness have all been carried over from the previous work programme and will continue to be a major focus over the next few months.

This week also saw the historic passage of the nearly 3000-page Income Tax Bill, which rewrites New Zealand’s income tax law.

Government supporting sustainable business

The Sustainable Business Network is getting $750,000 in government funding, recongnising the importance of the Network's organisations work in helping businesses become more sustainable. The Sustainable Business Network provides sustainable business support programmes, where business can learn about new ideas and share experiences.

The award is part of the Labour-led Government commitment to working with business to help them become more sustainable.

Buying Kiwi Christmas

New Zealanders can make it a real Kiwi Christmas if they Buy Kiwi Made this coming holiday season. The Buy Kiwi Christmas message launches this Sunday with a revised television commercial that still features assembly of the robotic Oliver Driver.

New Zealanders can make a real difference in their purchasing decisions, from the Christmas turkey and chutneys, to the jandals and frisbees they'll be shopping for this coming Summer.

To help, the Buy NZ Made Campaign already more than 800 member manufacturers, and many more are labelling their goods as made in New Zealand. Retailers are being encouraged to develop instore displays and Buy Kiwi Made promotions. Buy NZ Made has recently launched an online product locator at www.buynz.org.nz.

NZ on the world stage: Rugby World Cup 2011

NZ is in the international spotlight, looking forward to welcoming international guests in 2011 to show the world what NZ has to offer– as a great place to visit, to work in, to live in and to do business, with innovation and technology, fantastic scenery, great cities and unique culture.

It's estimated the Rugby World Cup 2011 will inject over $500 million into the economy.

The Labour-led Government wants business to get involved. A marketing and communications project will be launched this year to help the World Cup deliver lasting and tangible economic, environmental and social benefits to NZ. The campaign has already begun in Paris, using the "NZ Inc" giant Ruby Ball Venue in front of the Eiffel Tower. More than 20,000 people have watched the audio visual presentation, many thousands more being exposed to the brand outside the ball.

For more information, including videos of Tourism NZ's Rugby Ball venue, please click here.