Brent Edwards

Wellington

Political Editor at The National Business Review

Journalist

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nbr.co.nz

Articles

Defence boost, tariff pause, Parker retirement, Little for mayor

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

This week, the coalition Government announced a big spend-up on the Defence Force. It will spend $12 billion over the next four years, a boost of $9b. Most of the money will be spent on new military hardware to sharpen the Defence Force’s warfighting ability. It comes after years of minimal Want to read more? It's easy.
The risks to democracy and free speech

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

We live in an age where political discourse is getting more toxic. That is not to say political discourse has ever been genteel, but there is a danger now that sharp debates risk spilling over into more bitter, violent rhetoric, which allows no room for compromise. Much of it is driven by the Want to read more? It's easy.
Fiscal responses to shocks need to be targeted and temporary

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Fiscal responses to shocks need to be targeted and temporary Monetary policy is easier to reverse than fiscal policy, Treasury’s chief economic adviser Dominick Stephens says. The Treasury has released a draft report considering the fiscal responses to shocks like the Covid-19 pandemic. The Treasury’s framework for dealing with economic shocks makes it clear that monetary policy should do the heavy lifting.
Boosting defence spending in a more uncertain world

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Boosting defence spending in a more uncertain world ANALYSIS: Government paper says China is challenging international norms of behaviour and the security of other states. WATCH: NBR political editor Brent Edwards speaks with Jonathan Mitchell. New Zealand is re-arming as the Coalition Government contends the once-benign international environment has got more volatile. It is not a new observation.
Upton reiterates call for forests to be phased out of ETS

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Upton reiterates call for forests to be phased out of ETS We can’t keep planting forests forever, says Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. A new report says the ETS needs to change. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has again called for reform of the emissions trading scheme to remove unlimited forestry offsets.
Workers sick of the status quo and want change: CTU

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

The Council of Trade Unions is offering a prescription of higher taxes and more employment protections as an antidote to what it says are the coalition Government’s failed policies. CTU president Richard Wagstaff launched the CTU document – Aotearoa Reimagined – last night in Want to read more? It's easy.
Govt counting cost of Trump’s tariffs on New Zealand

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Finance Minister Nicola Willis is optimistic New Zealand can survive the economic turmoil caused by United States President Donald Trump’s tariff policy. But Willis also acknowledged no-one knows for sure how this country will be affected by the imposition of tariffs on imports to the US. In a Want to read more? It's easy.
The rush to get RMA legislation introduced this year

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

The rush to get RMA legislation introduced this year The problem with the RMA is too many people have a say, Simon Court says. WATCH: Parliamentary Under-secretary for RMA Reform Simon Court. Having announced their plan for reforming the Resource Management Act, ministers must now consider how Treaty of Waitangi rights will fit into the new legislation.
AG concerned at $3.2b increase in Crown's veteran support

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

AG concerned at $3.2b increase in Crown's veteran support The Auditor-General’s Office has identified the largest, single instance of unappropriated spending it has ever seen in the government's accounts. Auditor-General and Controller John Ryan. Auditor-General and Controller John Ryan has raised concerns about the $3.2 billion increase in the Crown’s liability for veterans’ support, which is not covered by a parliamentary appropriation.
Tough talk, the ferries, tariff wars, privileges and cone hotline

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis started the week talking tough to the two dominant supermarket chains. They were essentially given the message that they need to break up their own duopoly or the coalition Government will do it for them. A big part of Willis’s plan is to get a third player to Want to read more? It's easy.