Competition and Regulation Times. July 2011. Issue 35.

Abstract

• Title: How can you know ... what you don't (or can't) know? Abstract: In January 2010 the Government introduced a continuous disclosure regime for New Zealand's nine largest state-owned enterprises (SOEs). But what's the purpose of continuous disclosure for firms with no tradable ownership interests? And will the regime achieve its objectives? Talosaga Talosaga and Dave Heatley investigate. Author: Talosaga Talosaga, David Heatley
• Title: The Day the Music Died Abstract: Bronwyn Howell finds evidence that rumours of music's demise have been greatly exaggerated. Author: Bronwyn Howell
• Title: A Smart Evaluation of Electricity Investment Abstract: Smart grids are all the rage internationally. But what makes a smart grid - and smart meters in particular - a smart investment decision? Stanford Levin outlines an eight-step programme for evaluating the costs and benefits of smart meters. Author: Stanford Levin
• Title: Privatisation Perspectives Abstract: What makes some privatisations work, but others fail? Ross Clark reflects on what can be learned from rail and other transport-sector privatisations as played out in New Zealand and Great Britain. It turns out that the structure of the industry in which the privatised firm operates has a crucial bearing upon the likelihood of privatisation succeeding. Author: Ross Clark
• Title: Not for profit but for whom? Abstract: Past ownership patterns dominate both the formation and allocation of controlling interests in PHOs - the non-profit 'primary health organisations' that the government funds to deliver its primary healthcare services. But the origins of these controlling interests isn't just a matter of historical interest. Recognising their different forms helps identify the risks of healthcare funding being directed away from the government's objectives; it also helps identify measures for mitigating such risks. Carolyn Cordery and Bronwyn Howell report. Author: Carolyn Cordery, Bronwyn Howell
• Title: Please hold for your connection Abstract: Australia's national broadband network (NBN) is a government-funded next-generation access network that's intended to provided broadband over a passive optical network to 93% of homes and businesses. Rob Nicholls illustrates the importance of competitive analysis in determing the number and location of the new network's 'points of interconnection' (POIs). Author: Rob Nicholls
• Title: Insightful Insiders? Abstract: Do insiders trade more when a company renegotiates its debt? Research into untimely disclosures in the US around the time of companies' debt-covenant waivers suggest they do. Author: David Lont