Labour Party

Nats immigration policy bad for business

05.09.2008

The National Party's immigration policy would increase the burden on New Zealand employers, expand bureaucracy and remove protections for kiwi workers, said the Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove today.

"The entire policy is a contradiction to what National claims to stand for because one of the biggest losers out of these proposals would be kiwi businesses," Mr Cosgrove said.

"One of National's policy promises is to require employers recruiting overseas to provide a bond for every im... more +

National offers chequebook immigration policy

Clayton Cosgrove

04.09.2008

National has released a vague and illogical immigration policy that shows just how out of touch nine years on the opposition benches has left them, Immigration Minister Clayton Cosgrove said today.

Mr Cosgrove said it is alarming that National is offering "chequebook immigration" which would allow people with enough money to buy residency in New Zealand without the current checks and balances which ensure people have a minimum level of English and will genuinely contribute to the New Zealan... more +

Stronger protection for investors with law change

Michael Cullen

03.09.2008

Finance companies, building societies, credit unions and other deposit takers will be required to obtain credit ratings and meet tougher prudential requirements as a result of important legislation enacted today, says Finance Minister Michael Cullen.

The Reserve Bank Amendment Bill (No 3), extending the Reserve Bank's responsibilities to become the regulator of non-bank deposit takers, has now been enacted into law.

The framework will apply to non-bank deposit-takers, including finance companies, building societies and credit unions. T... more +