Transtasman Political Letter – 12th July 2007

12th July 2007

Three polls confirm National’s lead over Labour, but the Govt is trying to see something positive...
The great southern quest could bring an oil bonanza to NZ, but we might have to wait 10 years...
NZ is enjoying its most favourable terms of trade for 35 years, but can we capitalise?...
The Economist’s burger index confirms NZ has the world’s most over-valued currency...
And Ministerial “call-in” planned for pylon project.

Polls Still Look Bleak For Labour

The Govt may not have got the big bounce it was looking for in the polls from its trio of major policies introduced on July 1, KiwiSaver, cheaper doctor visits, and “free” early childhood education.

Oil Exploration Boom Taking Off

In awarding two international giants permits to explore in the Great South Basin, the Govt has heralded an exciting new era in oil exploration in NZ.

Tui Oil Gives Huge Balance Of Payments Boost

The drilling of the last of four development wells at the Tui oil project 50kms off Taranaki was completed this week, and the Ocean Patriot semi-submersible drilling rig is likely to move on to begin drilling the Hector-1 (in PEP 38483) and Taranui-1 (in PMP 38158) exploration wells.

Economic Debate – What Can We Do About Housing?

The Housing Market Is Evil And Must Be Punished. Most bank economists (nine out of 13) are picking the Reserve Bank won’t lift interest rates again on 26 July.

CAPITAL TALK

Jim Anderton left on Monday for the US and Mexico to meet political and agriculture industry leaders, returning July 22...

Play Of The Week: Trading Places

Phil Goff this week mooted a regional free trade deal for the Pacific. We could start with trading Hone Harawira with Aust. Harawira’s style makes him a natural for Aust politics, although he might have to get a bit more creative than “racist bastard.” .

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