This year will be an interesting one with the government taking on some tough issues and pushing through changes which they hope will put them in good stead for 2014, election year. State asset sales are a biggie. From a business perspective, don’t expect a partially privatised power company to give you lower electricity prices.
On the home front here at GETBA, we have been busy on several issues: three in particular, being wastewater charges, transmission corridors and transport.
Wastewater – basically, the various previous charging regimes are being replaced by one new regime, and the proposed options have been communicated to members and a submission made to Watercare on behalf of members. Our calculations show that nearly all options result in increases, especially for high wastewater users, and Watercare is talking directly to them. We have recommended phased implementation of the tariff changes, and the phasing out of the business differential within five years.
The Transmission Corridor issue involves new regulations for development under high voltage power lines, which will be included in the Draft Unitary Plan, due for release for consultation in March. We have communicated the issue to members and outlined what actions can be taken, working with another business precinct to leverage their experience. More about this on the website.
Transport in Auckland is a large complex issue and Auckland Transport have developed travel planning initiatives aimed at reducing single occupancy vehicles commuting to and from work. These include car pooling and public transport, for example, and making best use of technology and the internet to develop these. GETBA have taken these further and we are in the process of working with our members, particularly larger companies to facilitate the best application of these initiatives, tailored for each business and their staff.
Back to central government – an ongoing issue for many is the high NZ dollar, with no sign of relief. Opinion on whether the government can or should intervene, varies widely, but it seems unlikely that they will and that the NZD will remain high for some time yet.
Don’t forget to visit our website regularly to keep up to date with all that is happening in East Tamaki and how we at GETBA can help you.
Richard Poole