Comcom – Covid-19 and Regulated Returns The Covid-19 period coincides with the period the Commerce Commission uses when estimating several key parameters in its current Input Methodologies review. This creates a risk that the estimates which the Commission derives from data over the last three years are [...]
Senior Analyst and Analyst TDB Advisory is currently hiring for two positions for our Wellington office. Applications for both positions close on Friday December 9, with the start date being early 2023. Do you want to work in a dynamic and stimulating team environment in a boutique advisory [...]
Livestock Export Ban – the Wellbeing Impacts In 2021/22, around 150,000 livestock were exported by sea, with a total value of $382m. All livestock exports by sea were cattle to China, largely for new dairy farms. Under the Animal Welfare Amendment Bill, this trade will cease. The Bill [...]
Market Power The Commerce Amendment Act 2022 has changed the rules of the game when it comes to the misuse of market power in the New Zealand economy. From April 2023, firms with substantial market power may not act in a way that substantially lessens competition in [...]
Councils’ heritage policies In a recent report for the Voluntary Heritage Group, TDB analysed the policies and practices of all 67 district councils in relation to heritage properties – including for Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga (HNZPT) and non-HNZPT heritage-listed sites. We explored for each district council: [...]
Financial harm to kiwifruit growers In a report for Zespri, TDB estimated the financial impact that the Environmental Protection Authority’s proposal to end the use of Hydrogen Cyanamide would have on individual New Zealand kiwifruit growers. Our analysis uses orchard production information (e.g., hectares of different fruit [...]
Fonterra's Capital Restructuring When Fonterra was formed under its own special legislation, the government sought to level the playing field for competitors and expose Fonterra to pressures to perform. Constraints were placed on the mega co-op, many of which have since been removed or relaxed. Fonterra is [...]
Electricity prices – to mandate or not to mandate The Electricity Authority in its recent consultation paper: Supporting reform to efficient distribution pricing: a refreshed Distribution Pricing Practice Note discusses reform of distribution prices as a priority for the Authority. A key issue that arises is: should [...]
Gambling – A cost or a benefit? Gambling is a form of entertainment subject to much debate. Gambling provides enjoyment for many, problems for some and is a source of funding for others. Despite its controversy, the majority of studies to date look solely at one side [...]
BFG Review for Treasury Mid last year The Treasury commissioned TDB to conduct a review of the Business Finance Guarantee (BFG), a scheme set up to provide loans to struggling businesses amid COVID-19. Based on our analysis of New Zealand’s BFG scheme and review of similar schemes [...]