Unclear tax rules force expats to sell, National’s corporate welfare, fishhooks in 90-day trials and the egg dilemma

Unclear tax rules are forcing expatriates to sell their New Zealand homes, and Kiwi homeowners considering a move offshore for a few years to pay the mortgage should think twice, experts warn.

Michael Diamond, a former soldier who left New Zealand permanently in 2003 to work as a security consultant, was told by Inland Revenue to pay all outstanding tax during that period, on top of any tax he had already paid in the countries he worked in. Calida Smylie uncovers the pitfalls in todays NBR Print Edition.

National has handed out an average of $1.18 billion a year in “corporate welfare” since it came to power in 2008, a new report reveals. Those business subsidies are costing individual New Zealand households an average of $600-800 a year, according to “Monopoly Money” – a report commissioned by the Taxpayer’s Union with forward support from Michael Barnett and Labour MP Stuart Nash. Jamie Ball reports.

Investors are right to be having second thoughts about future prospects, says Nevil Gibson in Margin Call.

The 90-day employment trial provisions are quickly becoming a lawyers’ playground, a top commentator warns as decisions stack up against employers. Victoria Young reports.

Two completely different campaigns – one endorsing alcohol, the other encouraging moderation – won top awards at last night’s 2014 advertising effectiveness awards. Campbell Gibson has all the winners.

The latest run of economic data shows the New Zealand economy is coming off recent peaks but the outlooks is still, cautiously, positive, writes Rob Hosking.

Software company Private Flight Global, which makes mealtime on private jets smooth flying, is one of the finalists for the Best Design Awards. Calida Smylie profiles the company founded by New Zealander Richard Pryor.

Finalising the TPP – assuming the deal can be agreed – might not be burning bridges as much as some observers are predicting, says a Singapore-based trade analyst. Nathan Smith with the latest.

Recent criticism of the City Rail Link (CRL) reveals a lack of vision for Auckland’s future as the country’s commercial and business capital, writes guest commentator Michael Barnett.

Today is World Egg day. Around the globe people are being urged to get cracking… consumer preference on how eggs are produced is not the same as preference at the moment of purchasing decision, says Jacqueline Rowarth in her Heartland column.

Briefly:

• Airlines reap benefits of lower prices
• Technology editor Chris Keall was at Semble’s mobile wallet launch
• Property editor Chris Hutching reveals why rural property owners in North Canterbury feel betrayed

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