The new fee structure for the OIO screening regime was only part of the solution to lifting performance and turnaround.

The fiscal and economic outlook in NZ is steadier and the Treasury has managed a skinny forecast surplus in 2014/15.

Labour's proposals to make KiwiSaver compulsory for employees, and to vary contribution rates, raise interesting issues.

The Letter sets out Government's general policy approach and the importance to be placed on certain factors by the OIO.

Productivity Commission proposes that rating on land rather than capital value may be fairer and promote better outcomes.

Much has been said about the proposed role of Council Controlled Organisations or ‘CCO s’ within the new Auckland Council structure. In this update, we look briefly at the history of the CCO , look at what is proposed under the new Auckland Council structure and conclude by considering the ways in which the new Auckland Council is likely to exercise control over its CCO s

Discusses the diversity of investment in NZ business.

Budget 2010 will be remembered for its boldness, and for stealing a march on Australia. The Australians plan to reduce their company tax rate to 28% on 1 July 2014. We’ll be there on 1 April next year. Not enough to cause companies to cross the Tasman, perhaps, but a sign that the Government is serious about trying to close the growth gap between the two economies. The budget represents the biggest overhaul of the tax system since 1987 and has the capacity to – finally – wean New Zealanders

The government signalled a clear intent to continue reviewing and amending the employment law landscape in New Zealand.

Online transactions are booming in New Zealand. VISA recently reported earlier this year that New Zealanders spent NZ$56.51 million in ecommerce sales using Visa cards in March 2005, up from NZ$31.51 million in March 2004. Research also shows that there are more than 1.4 million New Zealanders registered to bank online (this represents 35% of New Zealand's total population). So, why do we have the confidence to send credit card and other personal information over an open network like the

This article is about 2 recent announcements relating to NZ research and development grants for science and innovation.

Facebook's recent market debut in the US raises comparisons in the NZ context with Trade Me's IPO in November 2011.

Auckland Unleashed – the strategy which will determine the way Auckland lives, plays and does business over the next 30 years – has now been released for preliminary comment and is likely to progress swiftly from here.

Most of the reforms proposed for Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) in the June 2010 Securities Law Review will proceed. A small but significant exception is that employer (and other restricted offer) superannuation schemes will not now be required to close to new members as the price of retaining their current structures. This Brief Counsel provides an overview of the key reform proposals and is a companion piece to our earlier commentary on the financial markets components of the review.

The value of IP does not only lie in its commercial potential, but also as a tool in defending infringement allegations.

The government forks out for R&D, experts and market entry, so why won't it come to the party on IP protection?

This article looks closely at the detail and timing of the changes that can be expected from the new Labour government.

Are you aware of your rights when buying or selling on the internet? Annabel Sheppard, an associate with the Christchurch Lawlink firm of Wynn Williams & Co, outlines some concerns and how the proposed Code for consumer protection will work.

Government initiatives for reform of the financial services sector continue to gather momentum. We take this opportunity to update you on the progress of various proposed reforms in the sector.

A strategy for protecting IP (ideas/patents, products/designs and brand/trade mark) must be part of a business strategy,.