11 September 2012
Immediate Release
Treasury seeking new Productivity Commission inquiry topics
The Treasury is seeking ideas for potential inquiry topics that could be undertaken by the New Zealand Productivity
Commission between early 2013 and early 2014 following completion of the current inquiries. The Treasury is the
department responsible for the New Zealand Productivity Commission and manages the process for deciding inquiry topics.
The Commission has a broad mandate to improve productivity in a way that supports the overall wellbeing of New
Zealanders. On referral from Ministers, the Commission holds inquiries and reports on productivity related matters.
The Commission is currently undertaking a joint inquiry with the Australian Productivity Commission on strengthening
economic relations between Australia and New Zealand, and an inquiry into local government regulation. These inquiries
are due to be reported back to Ministers in December 2012 and April 2013 respectively.
Potential inquiry topics will be selected based on the degree to which they:
• have the potential to improve productivity and support the overall well-being of New Zealanders;
• utilise the Commission’s unique position as an independent agency with high quality analytical ability and a focus on
public engagement; and
• require a substantial degree of analysis to resolve a complex set of issues.
Potential inquiry topics that meet these criteria should be submitted to inquirytopics@treasury.govt.nz together with any relevant supporting information by Friday 28 September 2012.
ends