Podcast appearances and mentions of kirk hope

The Government is making changes to get more capital flowing around the economy. Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Andrew Bailey says he is going to make it easier for KiwiSaver funds to invest in unlisted companies and assets. Financial Services CEO Kirk Hope talks to Ryan Bridge. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Service sector activity has plummeted to its lowest level outside the Covid lockdowns.  The BNZ-Business New Zealand Performance of Services Index (PSI) fell 3.6 points in May to 43.0.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It's consistent with other data – like profit margins being below pre-Covid rates.”  Hope said “Corporate insolvencies are around the same level as during the GFC – it's a pretty tough time.”  LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business NZ is welcoming a rise in spending on infrastructure, saying it has the potential to improve economic growth. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The Government is being advised to invest in immigration data gathering as record levels of arrivals and departures continue.   In February more than 253,000 migrants arrived and about 122,000 left, putting net migration at almost 131,000.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that where they come from isn't a problem as long as skills meet labour market needs.   He says this is one the of the big data gaps the Government needs to look at, to find out exactly which people and skills are coming in versus who is leaving.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest quarterly labor law podcast, we interview Kirk Hope, CEO at Business New Zealand, to better understand the impact of Fair Pay Agreements on a legal system similar to our own, and review other Labour Party proposals for unionized employers (Fair Pay Agreements are a form of sectoral collective bargaining proposed by the UK Labour Party and recently implemented in New Zealand).

Business leaders want to see quick changes from the new National-led government, scrapping fair pay agreements and reintroducing 90-day trials. Unions say that's nothing but bad news for workers. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope, and Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Corin Dann.

There are hopes Christmas will bring businesses a cash bounce.  The latest Retail NZ sales index —for the third quarter— shows many retailers sat in a holding pattern before the election.   59% reported increasing prices and just 57% felt confident their businesses would survive the next year.  Business NZ CEO, Kirk Hope, told Kate Hawkesby that there's a lot more certainty after the election.  He said that there is a very clear pathway for businesses and a lot more clarity around what policy is going to be.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the lead up to the election, National was clear that they would be rolling back a number of policies that Labour introduced, including fair pay agreements.  Business NZ has called for the fair pay agreement to be scrapped sooner rather than later, and they would also like to see 90-day trials reintroduced, and a commitment to a long-term programme of infrastructure.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope joined Kerre Woodham to discuss the proposals.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BusinessNZ and the Council of Trade Unions both say they hope the new government will be more responsive. Both organisations seem to agree that the last government didn't always seem to have a good ear for what people were saying. CTU chief economist Craig Renney and BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.

National outplays Labour according to this year's rankings from business leaders.  More than 100 CEOs and business leaders have ranked MPs in the Herald's Mood of the Boardroom survey.  Luxon comes out on top with 3.24 out of five, compared to Chris Hipkins' 2.95.  Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking that National still has to do more, with one boss saying he's too corporate and has no real connection.  He says Nicola Willis is favoured from a finance perspective, and Luxon still has a bit of work to do with the business community.    LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food and fibre export revenue has hit new heights. It's drawn $57.4 billion for the year to June 30, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was originally forecast. Dairy, horticulture, seafood and processed food exports have driven the record increases. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope told Francesca Rudkin these are good headline numbers, but there are underlying factors. He says, for example, while dairy by value is up the milk price is down by what was forecast from $8.30 to between $7 and $7.75. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Food and fibre export revenue has hit new heights. It's drawn $57.4 billion for the year to June 30, bringing $1.2 billion more into the economy than was originally forecast. Dairy, horticulture, seafood and processed food exports have driven the record increases. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope told Francesca Rudkin these are good headline numbers, but there are underlying factors. He says, for example, while dairy by value is up the milk price is down by what was forecast from $8.30 to between $7 and $7.75. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Numbers have been released around how expensive sick days are for businesses. On average, each worker is taking five and a half sick days a year, which all up is costing $2.86 billion per year for the total economy. This could increase in the coming years, considering the legislation change that all businesses need to offer a minimum of 10 days. And quiet quitting is real - 22 percent of surveyed businesses say their employees have signalled intentions to only work within defined work hours. Kirk Hope, CEO of BusinessNZ joined the Mike Hosking Breakfast to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Numbers have been released around how expensive sick days are for businesses. On average, each worker is taking five and a half sick days a year, which all up is costing $2.86 billion per year for the total economy. This could increase in the coming years, considering the legislation change that all businesses need to offer a minimum of 10 days. And quiet quitting is real - 22 percent of surveyed businesses say their employees have signalled intentions to only work within defined work hours. Kirk Hope, CEO of BusinessNZ joined the Mike Hosking Breakfast to discuss. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has finally fallen to six percent but how are we looking in the domestic front? Businesses are continuing to struggle with less demand and less spending. But with China's market back open the pressure may start lifting. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the topic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Inflation has finally fallen to six percent but how are we looking in the domestic front? Businesses are continuing to struggle with less demand and less spending. But with China's market back open the pressure may start lifting. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope joined Kate Hawkesby to discuss the topic. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If owning your own business wasn't hard enough - new data shows us that nearly half of small business owners are not actually even paying themselves. That is on top of dipping into their savings and increasing prices just to keep afloat. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If owning your own business wasn't hard enough - new data shows us that nearly half of small business owners are not actually even paying themselves. That is on top of dipping into their savings and increasing prices just to keep afloat. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The primary industry has outperformed expectations as annual exports reach a new record high of more than 56-billion-dollars. The December forecast expected 55-billion in exports, but led by a growth in dairy, seafood and processed food exports, the result is 1-point-2-billion-dollars higher than thought. The government thinks primary industry exports could rise to 62-billion-dollars by 2027, and are praising new Free Trade Agreements as opening the door for more sales. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope represents Export NZ and is with us now

The gap between employers and staff expectations is widening when it comes to salary and benefits. New data from Recruitment firm Hays reveals 95% of businesses expect to raise wages this year. But 52% of employees reckon they'd be financially better off finding a new job altogether. BusinessNZ chief executive, Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.

Business and trade advocates are applauding the start of the New Zealand-UK free trade agreement as an important milestone for the country. The trade deal comes into force today, and is hoped to expand New Zealand's economy by $1 billion annually. BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Tim Watkin.

Businesses are hoping for raft of initiatives in this year's 'no frills' Budget. The issues businesses want resolved includes everything from fixing skills shortages to a national roading plan, and tax breaks on depreciation and research and development, to help drive investment and productivity. The Government, on the other hand, is promising a Budget of "restraint", focussed on the cost of living and flood repairs. Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, Kirk Hope, explains what businesses are hoping for on May 18.

Cabinet is seeking advice on whether a Covid "test to work" scheme would work. Business NZ CEO Kirk Hope says that could allow some workers back sooner than seven days. "Of course, you know your employer's going to say- only come in if you're capable of working, we don't want you here if you're still, in fact feeling quite sick." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand appears to be edging closer to a recession, with some regions faster than others. BusinessNZ's latest Planning Forecast suggests the country's on track for a mild recession, with interest rates rising and retail sales falling. It says employers are still finding it difficult to fill roles due to the tight labour market. Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking while not all regions are being equally affected, the national trend is clear. He says regions like Canterbury are bucking the trend. LISTEN ABOVE  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are concerns the hike to minimum wage could be devastating for businesses. The Government has announced the minimum wage will rise by $1.50 to $22.70 from April. Business New Zealand CEO Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking the ability for businesses to pass this cost on is very low. He says if a business has no capital left effectively to pay this, and can't increase prices because then they'll face a decrease in demand, they're in a difficult position. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The incoming Prime Minister is hoping to win business support as he tackles what he calls an "inflation pandemic". In his first address in after being officially chosen for the role, Chris Hipkins outlined his key focus - the economy.  Hipkins is set to meet Auckland business leaders later this week. BusinessNZ's chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Guyon Espiner.  

A business leader doubts the Royal Commission of Inquiry into our Covid response has the right scope. It kicks off February and will look at vaccine mandates, border closures, quarantine and community care. A report is due mid-2024. Australian-based epidemiologist Tony Blakely will chair it, alongside former National party minister Hekia Parata and former Treasury secretary John Whitehead. Business NZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking no one from business was talked to about the scope. He says the exclusion of operations into the private sector from the scope of inquiry is disappointing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kirk Hope is Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand's leading business advocacy group, representing thousands of businesses of all sizes. Before joining BusinessNZ, Kirk was CEO of the New Zealand Bankers' Association. Prior to that he was Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation, the industry body representing the non-bank sector. He also previously held a range of senior positions at Westpac.

Legislation setting up a legal framework for collective bargaining across industries is set to become law. The Fair Pay Agreements Bill has passed its third reading in Parliament, with the support of Labour, the Greens and Te Pāti Māori.  The bill provides a framework for collective bargaining across occupations - like cleaners, supermarket workers and security guards - rather than just between unions and employers. National and Act oppose the measures, which they say will hurt small businesses, and vow to repeal the law if elected next year. Business NZ chief executive Kirk Hope and New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff spoke to Corin Dann.  

Business New Zealand is poking holes in the proposed Fair Pay Agreements legalisation. The rules mean if a thousand employees, or 10 percent of a workforce, agree to start the collective bargaining process, that process is automatically triggered. The Fair Pay Agreements legislation is expected to pass its third reading in Parliament later today. Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking driving wage rates up to boost productivity up won't work. He says the threshold to trigger the agreement is too low. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Reserve Bank's dual mandate has received a frosty reception, after it completed the first stage of public consultation on its monetary policy remit. Most submitters believed inflation should have a bigger focus over the maximum sustainable employment, or the objective should be removed altogether. Business NZ was one of the submitters and CEO Kirk Hope joined Mike Hosking. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The chief executive of Business New Zealand doesn't support a public holiday to mourn the Queen. Both the UK and Australia will hold public holidays next week, and Cabinet is considering the point today. Kirk Hope told Morning Report a holiday would impose extra costs on businesses already struggling. "Even if it's only a one off, it's going to impose more costs on businesses at a time when they've sustained some some pretty heavy costs and losses as a result of the pandemic." One public holiday has already been added to New Zealand's calendar this year, with Matariki celebrated in June.

Opposition parties are calling on the government to attack record high inflation by cutting spending, regulatory bottlenecks, and taxes and they're keen to make it an election decider next year. Council of Trade Unions economist Craig Renney would prefer to see an increase in the minimum wage increase, and benefits kept in line with inflation. As people struggle to keep up, how much pressure is on employers to up wages to help them out? BusinessNZ chief executive Kirk Hope and First Union researcher and policy analyst Edward Miller spoke to Corin Dann.

How have businesses coped with Covid? Have there been success stories? Who has struggled the most? What can we learn from this experience? In this interview we talk to Kirk Hope, the CEO of Business NZ to get his inside perspective on how businesses in New Zealand have been coping with the pandemic. We also talk about why some businesses achieve far greater success than others in competitive industries.0;37 Kirk Hope's role at Business NZ4:00 Is it as simple as just pivoting to navigate through Covid?10:44 Mental Health concerns for business owners going forward.12:55 To what extent does the government listen to Business NZ?17:00 Examples of businesses responding to the challenges and thriving.20:00 To what extent are members expecting changes to buyer behaviour to become permanent?24:58 Working from home versus an office.31:54 How does New Zealand (NZ) rate in supporting entrepreneurs particularly when they fail?40:15 With Small to Medium Enterprises (SME's) where do we need to fill the gaps in NZ?43:30 To what extent are small business owners guilty of not spending enough time working on their business rather than in them?45:44 Offering free digital training - is it a good thing that it is free?51:55 Why do some businesses excel above all others in an industry?56:50 To what extent are NZ businesses being held back by staff shortages?For more great content, go to:https://www.isintosuccess.comhttps://www.instagram.com/insightsintosuccess/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVRkDL7gZSP98vnVyZ5445ghttps://www.tiktok.com/@insightsintosuccessEmail us at: paul.d@msofmarketing.comThanks for supporting us in our journey to find the secrets to success!

Business NZ says New Zealand's on a shortlist of countries breaching international law due to the Government's fair pay agreement bill. An International Labour Organisation committee will look at the policy next week in Geneva. This follows a complaint made by Business NZ, which believes the agreements will remove rights and freedoms from workplaces. Chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.

Christopher Luxon is against welfare -- corporate welfare, that is. The National Party leader came out swinging this week against taxpayers having to underwrite the cost of profitable businesses reducing their emissions. He says the government is sending business the wrong message. Business New Zealand chief executive Kirk Hope spoke to Corin Dann.  

The Government's move to enforce collective bargaining under its Fair Pay legislation could breach international labour law.  Collective bargaining would be made compulsory under the proposals. And while the UN's International Labour Organisation promotes the practice it does not enforce it. BusinessNZ Chief Kirk Hope told Mike Hosking the move could put New Zealand on a list of the world's worst breaches.“Convention that New Zealand is breaching is about freedom of association and supporting about collective bargaining but not in a compulsory way, which is the big problem for the Government.”LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business New Zealand has today launched a campaign to stop the government from implementing fair pay agreements. In an opinion piece in the Herald today, Kirk Hope said employers and employees will lose control over the way they work calling it "not fair". Kirk joins Heather du Plessis-Allan. LISTEN ABOVE 

How well prepared are employers for the the biggest change to workplace law in decades expected later this year? The Fair Pay Agreements bill brings together employers and unions within a sector to bargain for minimum terms and conditions for all employees in that industry or occupation. Workers will be represented by unions, and employers by an employer association, these will need to be established. The proposed law has support from workers groups welcoming the provision of minimum fair pay standards for some of the lowest paid New Zealanders but BusinessNZ says Fair Pay Agreements are "fundamentally flawed" and the legislation breaches international obligations for voluntary bargaining. It's taking the case to the International Labour Organisation. Kathryn speaks to Kirk Hope, the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, as well as Megan Vant, a senior associate at Dundas Street Employment Lawyers.

Long Covid sufferers and researchers are calling for urgent support and warning employers to start planning for the possibility that the virus could impact their workforce in ways they have not prepared for. Evidence is mounting that some people suffer debilitating symptoms long after they've contracted Covid-19. While one study here has received funding from the government others have resorted to crowd funding to fast track answers patients desperately need. And as Louise Ternouth reports financial support is lacking for those unable to work their usual hours.

The red traffic light remains on for New Zealand businesses, even though many of them will no longer need to ensure all their customers have a valid vaccine pass, with that requirement ending today. Business New Zealand head Kirk Hope says there was as good a case for easing the general restrictions and moving the traffic lights from red to orange in Auckland at least. Hope spoke to Susie Ferguson.  

Businesses could be more inclined to support the Government's unemployment insurance plan, if it cut health and disability coverage.The scheme would see people who are made redundant or stopping work for medical and disability reasons, paid up to 80 percent of their salary, for up to seven months.It would be funded by a 1.39 percent levy on both employers and workers.BusinessNZ Chief Executive Kirk Hope says reducing the scheme to focus only on covering redundancies, would be more palatable.He says reducing the scope would significantly reduce the costs to all.Consultation on the unemployment insurance scheme ends later this month.LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not with us – that's essentially the message from Business NZ in response to the government introducing Fair Pay Agreement legislation in parliament today.  Under the law, employees would be able to force employers to negotiate pay and working conditions if 10% of their workforce or 1000 workers get together.  The government would give the unions and Business NZ $250,000 a year to help with the bargaining but Business NZ wants nothing to do with it.  Chief executive Kirk Hope joined Andrew Dickens. LISTEN ABOVE 

Advocacy group Business NZ says ending Covid-19 mandates is a step in the right direction. From April 5 businesses will no longer be required to check vaccine passes and mandates will only be compulsory in certain sectors. Chief executive Kirk Hope says the government needs to provide more clarity on some aspects of the Covid-19 roadmap. He spoke to Corin Dann.

A call for more employer transparency.Parliament's Education and Workforce select committee says the Government should consider making it compulsory for employers to post starting salaries when advertising jobs.It says this could help alleviate the gender pay gap and decrease the information imbalance between employers and employees.  But BusinessNZ says it won't work.Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Andrew Dickens calling in outside help is a better option.“There's an organisation called Mind The Gap. What they do is work with companies who voluntarily report the gender pay gap. That's kind of one of the quickest ways that you can probably reduce it.”LISTEN ABOVE

Businesses may consider bringing mandates back if a new Covid variant arrives in New Zealand. Fonterra will let unvaccinated employees keep their jobs, as long as they commit to daily tests. A spokesperson says any new variants are likely to trigger reviews of requirements, which could mean new measures for those still unvaxxed. Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Andrew Dickens the problem with covid is that it changes. “And it's very very difficult to anticipate, the best thing you can do, as a business, is do the best that you can to keep people employed and keep them well.” LISTEN ABOVE 

The business advocacy group that helped design the income insurance scheme is kicking National Party criticism of it to the kerb. Business New Zealand boss Kirk Hope told Lisa Owen the scheme is needed to insulate industry and workers against future shocks. People can have their say on the proposal on the MBIE website. 

It's expected to be very difficult to operate a business under Omicron, without access to rapid antigen tests. Argument has broken out between businesses and the Ministry of Health, over whether the ministry has pushed in, taking RATs meant for businesses. Business New Zealand Chief Executive Kirk Hope told Tim Dower the horse has bolted, because the Government should've been approving suppliers of RATs way earlier. He says now there aren't going to be enough of them, and companies can't use them for surveillance testing. “You can only use them for return-to-work testing, so people can get back to work more quickly. Not good enough, frankly.” LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How will critical businesses like food production and freight keep the wheels turning when the full force of omicron hits? One modeller predicts it could infect up to half the population and depending on who's considered a close contact that could mean many people off work and self isolating. Business NZ boss Kirk Hope talks to Lisa Owen.

We've been hearing the phrase “social insurance” a lot since the government released the 2021 budget last week. It's an idea designed to deal with unemployment we're going to see a lot more of in the years to come, but it also brings up issues of inequality and fairness. Would introducing unemployment insurance just help embed a two-tier system in which the rich stay rich and the poor stay poor? To find out how it could work in practice, Bernard Hickey speaks to Kirk Hope from BusinessNZ and NZCTU president Richard Wagstaff.When the Facts Change is brought to you by The Spinoff Podcast Network together with Kiwibank. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.