Ryan Bridge: Commerce will always find a way eventually

Good morning, and I really do mean, good morning.

Four months ago, war kicked off in the middle east. A year earlier the tariff war kicked off all over the world.

And yet today the following things are happening, regardless.

David Farrar: Business confidence at 30 year high

Radio NZ reports:

Business confidence has hit its highest level in 30 years on improving activity and on expectations of an economic rebound.

ANZ’s Business Outlook survey showed headline confidence rose 7 points to a net 74 percent expecting better conditions.

Kerre Woodham: Build the economy and the workers will come

New rules come into force for job seekers today, as the government continues efforts to get more young people off a benefit and into work. It's a very worthwhile enterprise. Do not let young people drift onto a benefit because there they will stay for around about 18 years, which is a hell of a life to condemn any young person to.

Hang on a minute though, weren't there sanctions announced in May? You're right, there were. They targeted beneficiaries with money management and community work sanctions if they failed to meet one of their obligations, which involved preparing for or looking for work.

Ele Ludemann: In need of confidence

Yesterday’s announcement of a 50 basis point official cash rate reduction will ease pressure on households and businesses.

That ought to provide a boost to the economy which is sorely in need of the confidence which fosters investment which in turn leads to growth and more job opportunities.

Point of Order: Buzz from the Beehive - 31/1/25

Not only can we drive faster – our chances of hitting potholes are being reduced (thanks to a $3.9bn govt investment)

Great news flowed today from Transport Minister Chris Bishop. Fresh from enabling us to put the foot down and drive at higher speeds on several roads and highways, today Bishop said potholes are being repaired more quickly, too.

Around 98 per cent of potholes on state highways are being repaired within 24 hours of identification every month since targets were introduced, he says.

Ele Ludemann: Will it be thrive in 25?

Business confidence is at its highest level in three years:

The latest NZIER Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion, which shows the highest level of general business confidence since 2021, is a sign the economy is moving in the right direction, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

“When businesses have the confidence to invest and grow, it means more jobs and higher incomes for Kiwis.

NZCPR Weekly: Government Conceit

Dear NZCPR Reader,   

This week we investigate the cause of the fall in business confidence and the implications for the future, our NZCPR Guest Commentator Anthony Willy shares his concerns over the threat that socialism – and all the other ‘isms’ – pose to individual freedom and our free market economy, and our poll asks whether a council’s decision to remove a tree house was over-regulation and PC gone mad, or a council doing its job and upholding the law.

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