Michael Barnett
Insight for 31 August 2014 - The Realities of Auckland
RNZ Auckland correspondents explore what political party policies might mean for NZ's biggest and most diverse city Audio
Infant formula exporters hurting as it sits on Chinese wharves
Infant formula exporters are concerned about the Ministry for Primary Industries' ability to negotiate with Chinese authorities, following China's hard line on what's allowed into the country. Audio
China to impose new restrictions on infant formula tomorrow
New restrictions on infant formula imports take effect in China tomorrow and many exporters are still scratching their heads as to whether they'll be able to export there. A Chinese audit of New… Audio
Top Stories for Wednesday 30 April 2014
NZ man killed in botched robbery in Argentina; Calls to leave KiwiSaver alone; Former Christchurch mayor on flooding crisis; Tornadoes wreck havoc for second night in US; Justice officials blamed… Audio
Confusion over China's restrictions on infant formula imports
Officials and businesses remain confused over China's new restrictions on infant formula imports just two days shy of when they'll be enforced. Audio
Tough new rules threaten small infant formula exporters
More now on the tough new rules on food safety standards in China. There are fears they will wipe out many small infant formula exporters. From next week all milk powder firms will have to apply for… Audio
Exporters Association hails Key's dinner invite as major coup
The Infant Formula Exporters Association says John Key's invitation to have dinner with the Chinese president tonight is a major coup for this country. Audio
Minimum wage will rise by 50 cents
The minimum wage will rise to $14.25 an hour in April, an increase of 50 cents. Audio
Auckland business chief urges priorities for growing the city
The chair of Auckland's new business leadership group believes there's an urgent need to act now to ensure the region's economy doesn't stall. Audio
Rotting apples the latest NZ trade scandal in China
Fresh back for a trade mission to calm Chinese consumers concerned about New Zealand exports, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive, Michael Barnett, says there is still work to do. Audio
Fonterra's botulism false alarm raises questions
Scott Gallacher, acting director-general of the ministry of primary Industries; NZ Infant Formula Exporters Association chair Michael Barnett; and AUT food microbiologist John Brooks. Audio
Better testing eyed for million-dollar milk powders
There are calls from within the dairy industry for more rigorous testing of dairy products before they are exported after the second contamination scare in less than a month. Audio
Fonterra's handling of the botulism crisis
With Michael Barnett - Auckland Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive also the Chairperson of the NZ Infant Formula Exporters Association. John Brooks - Food microbiologist John Brooks from AUT. Karen… Audio
How will local govt shake-up work?
Listening to that report is Michael Barnett the chairman of the business interest group known as the local government forum, and the Director of the Auckland University of Technology's Public Policy… Audio
Month long port strike 'already costing jobs'
The strike on Auckland's waterfront has been extended by another week and impact from the industrial action is being felt in the wider business community. Chief Executive for the Auckland Chamber of… Audio
More strikes likely for Ports of Auckland
Industrial action is scheduled to resume at the Ports of Auckland tomorrow night. The port says mediation with the maritime union yesterday failed to make progress. Audio
Industrial action at Ports of Auckland has wider impact
Mediation will resume this morning between the Ports of Auckland and the Maritime Union as both sides look to resolve their ongoing dispute over terms of a new collective contract. Audio
Council reputation is tarnished says Auckland Chamber of Commerce
The Auckland Chamber of Commerce's chief executive, says local government has failed the city in its organisation of the Rugby World Cup celebrations. Michael Barnett says the Mayor and his… Audio
Can Ak RWC transport chaos be stopped from happening again?
Who is ultimately responsible for what went wrong with Auckland's transport system on the opening night of the RWC last Friday. From the over-crowding on the waterfront to the major train delays that… Audio
Labour's capital gains tax plan already under fire
There has been a lot of reaction already to the Labour Party's plan to introduce a capital gains tax. Audio