Weekly Digest – 12 July 2023
Welcome to our Weekly Digest – stay in the know with some recent news updates relevant to business and the economy.
Retailers report slowing sales as inflation and high interest rates bite
Mounting economic pressure is forcing retailers to weigh up their future, with the majority of firms missing their sales targets. More than a third of retailers are not confident they can survive the next 12 months, Retail NZ said in a new report.
Workers at heart of changes to ACC’s Accredited Employers Programme
Changes to ACC’s Accredited Employers Programme (AEP) aim to improve the experience for workers whose injury claims are handled by their employers.
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Public investment to make NZ a ‘first mover’ in synthetic jet fuel
The Government is chipping in an initial $575,000 to investigate if the decommissioned Marsden Point refinery can be used to make green hydrogen for synthetic jet fuel – but the energy-intensive process would have to give back to NZ’s electricity grid. Air NZ has signed a memorandum of understanding to be the foundation customer once the Marsden Point synthetic jet fuel project becomes commercially viable.
$20M Deal For New Zealand Seafood Secured With A Signed EU-NZ FTA
New Zealand seafood will gain $20 million in tariff reductions when the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union comes into force in the first quarter of 2024. The FTA was signed in Brussels on 9 July, slightly more than one year to the date that FTA negotiations concluded.
Win for Kiwi researchers through cooperation with Europe
New Zealand and the European Union’s collaboration on research, science and innovation will mean greater access and opportunities for Kiwi researchers, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins and Minister of Research, Science and Innovation Ayesha Verrall announced.
Why is wool valued so poorly?
One of the mysteries of life is why wool is valued so poorly. It grows naturally. It is versatile. It is biodegradable. Yet the price paid to the farmer for growing the wool often doesn’t cover the cost of shearing, says Dr Jacqueline Rowarth.
Govt unveils new sustained improvement plan to tackle issues within NZ’s health workforce
The Government has unveiled a new plan to tackle issues within New Zealand’s health workforce after data revealed alarming shortages.
Rates rise: How much more will you be paying?
It’s that time of year again, with homeowners across the country finding out just how much their rates are increasing.
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