IN THIS ISSUE
(EASTER BUNNY EDITION)

Introduction
Compliance Cost Falls
HSNO Act Leads the Way
Codes of Practice Closer
HSNO Roadshow Coming to Town
Chemicals in the Spotlight
US Abandons Kyoto Commitment
…and Proposed OOS Standard
Better Health Data on the Way
Why are we waiting?
Directors Facing Prosecution
High Cost of Disposal
When the Rubber Doesn't Meet the Road
Annual Conference Beckons
2001 Subscriptions Due

Introduction

The Coalition Government is enjoying record public approval ratings, largely because the economy continues to prosper in contrast to the contracting economies of our major trading partners. The dollar is down, thanks mainly to the weakening Australian economy and a falling Euro, however, New Zealand's exports are running well ahead of predictions. Leading commentators are predicting the mini-boom will avoid the global downturn.

Despite record low autumn rainfall, milk solid production will top 1 billion kgs for the season. Export receipts and the tax take are well up on budget night forecasts. The BSE tragedy in Europe has resulted in higher demand and higher premiums for our meat, despite the decision not to capitalize on the British farmers misfortune.

Prime Minister Helen Clark is visiting Hong Kong and China. She is expected to announce a new free trade deal with Hong Kong, similar to the New Zealand-Singapore treaty concluded in February. In Beijing, she will meet with President Jiang Zemin and Premier Zhu Rongji, to discuss trade and world affairs, including no doubt the present US-China standoff.

Trade Minister Jim Sutton will meet with US Trade Representative Robert Zoellick in Washington this month to discuss the prospect of a new WTO trade round and a free trade agreement between the US and New Zealand, perhaps using the P5 grouping. New Zealand remains quite optimistic about progress in the WTO.

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