Labour's building materials call, ex-Tower team’s new fund, property syndicate's uncertainty and TV3's programming losses

A government inquiry is needed into building material prices, including Fletcher Building's role in the Christchurch rebuild, Labour leader David Cunliffe says.

Not satisfied with a government options paper released earlier this month, Mr Cunliffe says in today’s National Business Review which government body should undertake such an inquiry and why he thinks it’s necessary.

Business editor Duncan Bridgeman reports on two new funds being launched this month by a start-up investment firm run by former Tower Investments staff.

Property editor Chris Hutching reports the annual financial statements for several SPI Capital property syndicates have auditors’ qualifications over their future.

Media reporter Victoria Young writes about the fallout from Mediaworks-owned TV3 not pursuing an output deal with America’s Fox network, and why one ad agency heavyweight thinks there is a bigger problem at hand.

Business reporter Jamie Ball marks two significant milestones – a year since Fonterra’s listed units started trading and 12 years of apple deregulation – and asks, was it worth it?

Shoeshine picks apart Kiwi Income Property Trust’s management internalisation deal, why much will depend on Deloitte’s independent appraisal report – and the implications for unit holders if they reject it.

Meanwhile, NBR ONLINE’s Stephanie Flores details New Zealand’s growing trade with Egypt – and how Kiwi companies are dealing with problems such as gaps in insurance, financing and credit.

NBR’s five-page Special Report into IT security details why the cloud revolution which allows you to access your software and files from anywhere is also a security threat for business. We highlight what it means for traditional security models and how to protect yourself from the latest threats and profile Kiwi companies, such as Mako Networks, prospering from the dangerous new world.

In his On The Money column, Michael Coote tackles crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending – and why considerable thought should be expended when developing new regulations.

Briefly,

• Margin Call asks whether listed company Infratil is becoming more of a trader in utilities, rather than a long-term investor that adds value through superior management.
• Nathan Smith, in World Watch, opines the United States has few choices for Middle East security without Iran’s cooperation – and why improved ties between the two should benefit the world.
• Initiative Matters considers good economic policy, and why a good place to start is the foundation of West Germany’s post-war economic miracle

All this and more in today’s National Business Review print edition. Out now.