Competition and Regulation Times. March 2010. Issue 31.

Abstract

• Title: Taxation in the Balance Abstract: The report of the Victoria University of Wellington Tax Working Group (TWG) A Tax System for New Zealand's Future represents a unique collaboration among individuals from the Treasury, the Inland Revenue Department, the Centre for Accounting, Governance and Taxation Research (CAGTR), and a range of other acknowledged tax experts. John Creedy looks at some of the fruits of this collaboration. Author: John Creedy
• Title: art-ful issues Abstract: The arts are a peculiar mix of private and public benefit, which can make funding the arts a taxing science - especially duing an economic downturn. Lisa Marriott explores some of the issues involved. Author: Lisa Marriott
• Title: Is Fibre good for Us? Abstract: Fast internet access is widely considered to be a factor in enhancing productivity. As faster broadband technologies become available, calls are made to upgrade existing telecommunications networks so that local firms and households won't be left on the 'wrong side' of the digital divide. In response, governments in countries as diverse as Australia, New Zealand, Greece and South Korea have pledged large sums for fibre-enabled broadband access. Arthur Grimes asks whether these calls are warranted. Author: Arthur Grimes
• Title: Looney Tunes Abstract: New Zealand is often seen as irrationally overregulated. But in terms of regulating for safety restraints in motor vehicles, it emerges as a paragon of commonsense: attempts at similar regulation in the US led to perverse outcomes. Scott Thompson explores this instructive contrast between the US and New Zealand. Author: Scott Thompson
• Title: 'Orphan' Works: the black hole of copyright? Abstract: Ever wondered what became of those home-made Pacman games developed on Commodore 64s and ZX81s by 1970s 'computer nerds'? Possibly they (and a whole lot of other) 'orphan' works sit unclaimed in enthusiasts' collections - unable to be transcribed on to modern media and preserved for posterity, or freed to become inputs into future creative works, for fear of breaching copyright law. Susan Corbett investigates how the conomic value in these orphans can be liberated. Author: Susan Corbett
• Title: Liberating the economic power of local government Abstract: Local government's assets can be substantial: they include, for example, capital-intensive airports and electricity networks. So local government may well hold the key to unlocking the capital-market potential of public sector investments. Dave Heatley outlines the issues. Author: David Heatley