Productivity Commission on NZ's productivity dilemma

New Zealand’s current record of working longer hours leaves a lot to be desired, Ganesh Nana says. (Image: 123rf)

Fri, 23 Feb 2024

Critics of the Productivity Commission have lamented the experience that New Zealand’s productivity position has not materially improved during the commission’s existence since April 2011.As the chair of the commission, I, too, have been vocal in my critique of NZ’s productivity performance, noting in the commission’s 2023 publication, Productivity by the Numbers, that this country's record of working longer hours and depleting our natural resources leaves a lot to be desired. It is certainly not a recipe for th...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Policy Business of Government

Back office blowout, 1,900 jobs that were already cut, and more

Our weekly round-up of public sector news and analysis.

Jem Traylen 5:00am

Sustainable Finance

Why Milford Asset Management still engages with Aussie coal producers

Greg Hurrell 5:00am

Opinion

David Chaplin: Containing multitudes: diversity inside the KiwiSaver envelope

David Chaplin 5:00am

Sponsored

Cyber alerts in New Zealand on the rise

A shortage of security experts puts pressure on combating threats

Fortinet

Sponsored

Avoiding mistakes many investors make

Managing emotions key to securing long-term returns.

Milford

More Economy

Economy

Business confidence still falling

Business confidence fell eight points to 15 in the latest ANZ NZ Business Outlook survey as cost pressures continue to bite. According to Westpac Bank senior economist Satish Ranchhod, a net 20% of firms reported their trading activity has declined over the past year. “That’s the...

Staff reporters 30 Apr 2024