Politics • Economy • Legislation • Trade •
Analysis & Forecasts • Opinion

Dear Client,

Politics, economic shifts, legislation/regulations and competition are the four major forces influencing your business opportunities. Each week, TRANS TASMAN brings you the real story behind the news and events shaping the political scene – and the insights and analysis you need to make your organisation even more successful. And its crisply-written, time-saving style allows you to stay up-to-date in the midst of your hectic day.

For more than four decades TRANS TASMAN has been putting its finger on the pulse of the Australian/NZ relationship and the events shaping it, the political and economic trends affecting our lives and businesses…

Ringside On Politics -John Key won a stunning personal victory in the 2011 election. It was the more remarkable because in his first term he had to manage through the meltdown of the secondary finance industry, the Pike River mine disaster, the collapse of South Canterbury Finance and two devastating Christchurch earthquakes – all while coping with the deepest recession since the Great Depression.

But business leaders say there’s no time to bask in euphoria. The call is for a new govt to swing into action immediately. No easy thing, as the lessons of the general election are absorbed. Key has succeeded in dominating the centre ground of NZ politics. That means he can’t bring in the slash-and-burn policies right-wing ideologues demand. He might have won a mandate for partial asset sales and welfare reform but he’s got a lot of work to do to make them popular.

NZers don’t like change, as they showed when they voted to retain MMP. That means Key with his immense popularity has taken National to its highwater mark. Only with clever politics will National succeed in winning the next election. Fiscal austerity leaves little room for bold initiatives. Who’s going to dominate in Parliament? Who will lead the Opposition? Will the Greens and their new MPs continue to climb? Can Winston Peters and his motley crew create havoc? Or will NZ First implode?

The Economy – NZ has proven surprisingly resilient in the face of the worst global economic crisis in decades. Dairy, log and oil exports are still driving the country ahead. More recently meat and wool have made a comeback.But the Kiwi dollar is staying stubbornly high, making it tough for manufacturers. NZ is still far behind Australian living standards.. What are the country’s options and what global trends are having an impact on the economies of our major trading partners?

Business & Economic Trends – What is the outlook for growth, short and long-term? Where will interest rates go? Is inflation under control now? Where will the dollar go next in a period of rapid fluctuation? What are NZ and Australia’s priorities when it comes to growth, trade and investment?

Sector Reports - How are specific sectors of the economy performing? Where are the best opportunities for investment – and what areas are best left alone?

New Legislation & Tax Laws – Market Regulation • Commercial & Corporate Law • Taxation • Kyoto Agreement • Securities • Intellectual Property Rights • Food Safety.

Our special weekly “In the Lobby” column goes right to the heart of what’s happening in the Select Committees and looks at the driving forces in them, the work they’re doing, and their impact on Govt.

Trade – Businesses are already benefiting from new Free Trade deals, especially the one signed with China. Asian markets are growing while European economies are imploding. The Trans Pacific Partnership is now becoming a key objective. Climate change, and the environment, are moving to be high not just on the political, but also the business, agenda. Watch water management become one of the battle grounds for political advantage.

The Sharemarket & Companies in the News - How will you fare under the bear? The swings – and roundabouts. What are the forces at work? Running the rule over the blue chips. Keeping an eye on the “sleepers” who may be tomorrow’s high-fliers. Spotting the movers and the shakers.

Government Department Updates - Many large organisations rely on their Public Relations Consultants, Lobbyists and Trade Associations to supply them with information on the workings of Government Departments. By subscribing to Trans Tasman you will read first hand each Department’s policy, personnel and how they interprete and implement legislation. Trans Tasman is subscribed to by many journalists and commentators from competing media.

Read and widely used by professional and business decisionmakers, including:

• Cabinet Ministers • A cross section of influential Governmental Departments • The majority of Diplomatic Missions accredited to NZ and Australia • Chief Executives and Finance Directors of significant NZ and Australian Public Companies • State Owned Enterprises • Financial institutions • Professional Services, Accounting, Law, Public Relations, Employment • Manufacturing, Primary and Knowledge-Based Industries • Industry Associations and Lobbyists • Journalists and commentators from competing media.

Trans Tasman Political Week has a team of 6 highly-qualified specialist contributors, analysing discussions and decisions, looking at potential repercussions, identifying trends, listening to Select Committee debate and reporting on opinions, submissions and personalities. We also draw upon a wide range of sources close to the Beehive inner circle who wish to remain anonymous, for obvious reasons.

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Sincerely

Max Bowden
Editor in Chief

PS. Direct from Wellington and Canberra – right from the Beehive Engine Room to your desk every Thursday.