New Zealand debate sharpens on favouring local firms

Access rules are also the live issue in New Zealand, although in a softer form. A published argument there is pushing for government procurement to favour Kiwi businesses that spend in New Zealand rather than offshore owners. That is not a rule change, and it would be wrong to describe it as one. But it does tell suppliers something about the direction of debate. If you are bidding into New Zealand public contracts, local economic footprint may become an even more visible part of how buyers and politicians talk about value.