Business Daily Media

The Times


.

Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?

  • Written by: Ian Lovering, Lecturer in International Relations, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington
Despite decades of cost cutting, governments spend more than ever. How can we make sense of this?Getty Images

Recent controversies over New Zealand’s Ka Ora, Ka Ako school lunch program have revolved around the apparent shortcomings of the food and its delivery. Stories of inedible meals, scalding packaging and general waste have dominated headlines.

But the story is also a window into the wider debate about the politics of “fiscal...

Gift Cards as the gateway to agentic payments

Prepaid and stored value gives consumers the trust and control to try AI shopping agents By Blackhawk Network VP Head of ANZ Kieran Nolan For deca...

Why Data Accumulation Without Governance Undermines Sustainability Goals

In July 2026, Group 2 entities, the second cohort of Australian businesses, began their first reporting period under the mandatory climate disclosur...

Permanent $20,000 Instant Asset Write-Off Gives Small Businesses Greater Planning Certainty

The Federal Government’s decision to permanently legislate the $20,000 instant asset write-off will give eligible small businesses greater certainty...

Selling a Small Business in Australia: Understanding the Capital Gains Tax Concessions

For many Australian business owners, selling a business represents the reward for years—sometimes decades—of hard work. Unlike employees who may bu...

Australian businesses lean into global strategic partnerships (GCCs) for next wave of outsourcing

The Australian corporate landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation in how it sources talent and innovation. While businesses have traditi...

The New Pressure Gap Crushing Small Businesses

Starting any business and making it prosper is a major undertaking. Part of the challenge is managing the uncertainty, but the financial pressures o...