If you’re going to dedicate time and resources to an offshore investment, you need confidence that your commitment is going to be secure.
In a turbulent world, New Zealand stands out as a reassuringly sturdy beacon of stability, transparency and fair dealing. That’s noted in report after report:
- We top Forbes' 2012 Best Countries for Business list, which labels New Zealand as a free market economy that can compete globally
- We’re rated the least corrupt country in the world on Transparency International’s 2011 Global Corruption Index. New Zealand is consistently at or very near the top of this Index
- We’re ranked No. 1 in the world for protecting investors by the World Bank in its 2011 Doing Business report
- We’re also No.1 in the world for absence of protectionism (IMD, World Competitiveness Yearbook 2010)
- In 2012, credit-reporting company Dun & Bradstreet named us Asia Pacific’s fourth safest country ahead of Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, China, India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand. They described us as “a low-risk environment for business investment.”
These ratings simply a reflect our wider society. For example, on the 2012 Global Peace Index which compares 158 countries for the risk of personal violence, we’re the world’s second safest country, just after Iceland. You and your family can feel free to come and go in safety, making it easy to enjoy all the sights, adventures and experiences New Zealand has to offer.
Stable democracy
New Zealand’s political system is based on the British model and is stable. There is a single house of Parliament, and the role of head of state is held by Queen Elizabeth II, as Queen of New Zealand. Democratic engagement is strong.
Typically between 75-80% of New Zealanders turn out to vote in general elections.
Governments run their term and are often re-elected. It all contributes to an environment where you can do business today and have confidence in tomorrow.
Strong institutions
Our legal system is based on English law. The judicial system is independent and robust. Private property rights are strongly protected, contracts are secure and intellectual property rights are enforced.
The sound legal framework is supported by a free and independent media, ensuring high levels of transparency in Government and corporate decision-making.
Economic underpinnings
A long term drive for diversification means that New Zealand’s economy, although still powered mainly by agriculture, now also benefits from a flourishing manufacturing sector, a thriving tourism industry, and a strong renewable energy resource base.
New Zealand’s commitment to economic freedom has resulted in a policy framework that has shown impressive economic resilience. Openness to global trade and investment are firmly institutionalised, and the economy rebounded quickly from the global recession. The severe earthquakes in Christchurch caused only a transitory dip in economic growth and the rebuild will contribute significantly to South Island economic growth in the coming decade.
The budget balance has registered small deficits in recent years, but public debt remains well under control at 33.7% of GDP (2011). In comparison, the United Kingdom’s public debt stood at 85.7% and the USA at 103% at the same time.
For more information, see economic overview.
