Business Leaders Push for Partnership Model to Address Challenges

A significant majority of business leaders in New Zealand advocate for reestablishing a formal partnership among government, businesses, unions, and sector leaders to address the nation’s pressing issues. According to the latest Mood of the Boardroom survey, conducted by the New Zealand Herald, approximately 68% of CEOs support this collaborative model, while 14% oppose it, and 18% remain uncertain.

This survey reflects a growing sentiment among executives who believe in the value of uniting diverse voices. Thomas Pippos, chairman of Deloitte, emphasized the importance of such collaboration, stating, “Anything that tries to unify stakeholder groups has to be beneficial.” His view is echoed by the CEO of a major law firm, who described the concept as “an excellent idea, a credible forum to genuinely listen and focus on solutions for a few key priorities.”

Support for a Collaborative Approach

Supporters highlight successful international models as examples for New Zealand to consider. David Mair, managing director of Sanford, referenced a partnership model seen in Ireland, while also emphasizing the need to include education as a critical component. Many CEOs believe that a renewed forum with defined timelines could significantly enhance skills development, technology adoption, and overall productivity.

Kirsten Patterson, chief executive of the Institute of Directors, articulated the consensus among many leaders, stating, “New Zealand’s challenges are too complex for the Government to solve on its own. We need a genuine partnership.” This sentiment underscores a collective recognition that the multifaceted nature of current issues requires a collaborative solution.

Concerns Over Potential Drawbacks

Despite the strong support for this partnership model, not all industry leaders are convinced of its efficacy. Roger Partridge, chairman of the New Zealand Initiative, raised concerns about prioritizing a limited number of organized voices at the expense of broader public interest. He cautioned against potential pitfalls, including “lowest-common-denominator compromises, more bureaucracy, and less accountability.” Partridge stressed the importance of wide consultation but insisted that policy decisions should be guided by the public interest rather than agreements made with a select group of stakeholders.

As discussions about the future of New Zealand’s governance and economic strategy unfold, the findings of the Mood of the Boardroom survey highlight a pivotal moment for business leaders and policymakers alike. The call for a formal partnership represents a significant shift in how various sectors may approach collaboration in tackling the nation’s most urgent challenges.