Clive Bibby: New Zealand’s reputation is being questioned

At a time when the defence of the realm is more dependent than ever on strategic alliances based on trust, we need to show our partners that we are capable of punching above our weight when the proverbial hits the fan.

We need to show we can be relied upon to compliment the contributions of others doing most of the heavy lifting in a way that is consistent with our size and limited defence capabilities. 

Clive Bibby: Priorities that work

 

One thing that is noticeable from the PM’s overseas junkets is that her priorities are not the ones that will save us. They never have been! 

At a time when the world markets are crying out for more of what we have to offer and are prepared to pay premiums for it, the prime minister’s travel diary is chocker block with meetings with those who have little influence or interest on whether we survive or disappear off the face of the earth. 

Stephen Franks: FTAs inevitable for loan-dependent NZ, but expect one way enforcement

I've just listened to Nathan Guy talking down concern about Chinese blocking of meat imports on Radio Live Drive, before Andrew Patterson interviewed me on the topic. My firm has paid particular attention recently to the way FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) can effectively over-ride Parliamentary sovereignty (our legal self determination).

Ron Smith: Slow steaming and perishable trade

Weekend stories concerning a progressive slow-down in the effective operating speed of container ships from New Zealand suggest a growing problem for our exporters of perishable goods, such as chilled lamb or kiwifruit. Not surprisingly, the overall driver of the problem from a shipping company point of view is profitability, which is currently under stress, but the principle factor appears to be rising fuel costs, perhaps exacerbated by increasing sensitivities about global warming (however ill-founded these latter concerns may be).