Business Features
SAVING SCIENCE – Idealog Magazine
With our major export sectors under pressure, the science sector could become the saviour of our economy. But first, says Jehan Casinader, it seems we need to save science. New Zealand has always fancied itself as a land of milk, honey and a nice bit of lamb. Agriculture accounts for more than a third of our exports, but our wool, dairy and meat exporters are facing increasing competition from overseas producers. Meanwhile, the manufacturing sector is taking a hit as Asia ramps up its production, and the tourism industry is still heaving under the weight of the recession. Read more…
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IS FAIR TRADE A FAD? – Idealog Magazine
New Zealand has the fastest-growing fair trade market in the world, but as corporates like Starbucks catch the Fair Trade bandwagon, savvy advocates of ethical consumerism can see a day when the goodwill is gone. The term ‘consumer with a conscience’ is bandied about pretty liberally these days. ‘Sweatshop’ is a very dirty word. ‘Make Poverty History’ wristbands are flung about by celebrities whose mugs end up on, well, mugs, to encourage us to remember those who suffer—animals, children or labourers in some frenzied foreign workshop—because of our consumption habits. New Zealand prides itself on a free and fair market, but those two ideals often come into conflict. Read more…
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THINK LOCAL, ACT GLOBAL – Unlimited Magazine
Kiwi businesses are looking to Europe and North America for cues on sustainability. How do we stack up? ‘Joy is about creating more from less.’ That’s the last line of Piers Scott’s email sign-off. Alongside it is a picture of fluffy white clouds against a rich blue sky. It’s an ad for BMW’s fuel-efficient technology. Seriously? Has the sustainability debate become a love-fest? Scott, BMW New Zealand’s communications and sustainability manager, didn’t design the ad, but he’s willing to have a laugh about it. He reckons BMW doesn’t build cars; “we build joy”. The company knows that in New Zealand sustainability still commands value for premium products like luxury cars. Read more…
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CHARITY BEGINS AT THE CHURCH – Herald on Sunday
Some churches are struggling to stay financially afloat, while others rake in tens of millions each year. Where does the money go, and why does it seem so discreet? New Zealand, it seems, is experiencing a spiritual drought. Census figures confirm a growing number of Kiwis have no religious ties, while churches report empty pews. As the financial crisis deepens, the ‘economy of faith’ is also expected to suffer. Many religious groups have invested solely in property, and are heavily dependent on donations to maintain cash flow. Few churches have accessible sources of liquidity, while some are in debt. With discretionary income set to fall, churches also expect their offering plates to look a little bare in the coming months. Now, church leaders are searching for new ways to stimulate growth. Read more…
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THE COST OF YOUR SUPER? – Herald on Sunday
Some of your taxes are invested in firms that build bombs and deliver weapons. Is it simply moral hysteria, or do Kiwi taxpayers have blood on their hands? Whether you’re buying a cup of coffee or choosing shares, it’s difficult to escape issues like climate change, fair trade and consumer ethics. It’s about shopping, and investing, responsibly. New Zealanders control how their personal savings are invested, but now there is concern that public funds have been invested in morally questionable enterprises overseas. The agency in the firing line is the New Zealand Superannuation Fund, also known as the Cullen Fund. It was created five years ago to help cover pension costs when the “baby boomers” reach retirement. Read more…
