KEY POINTS:
Mark Weldon deserves congratulation for cleaning up in the 100m butterfly at the World Masters championships, but the former Olympian's competitiveness is (thankfully) not limited to the swimming pool.
The NZX, which he runs, posted another good result last week on the back of the innovative approach Weldon's taken to expanding the stock exchange's traditional business and getting its cost structure down.
The NZX's first-quarter profits were up 25 per cent to $2.17 million compared with $1.74m for the same period last year.
But Weldon should not rest on his laurels. He needs to take on the Government over major issues that negatively impact on the NZX's future.
First up, get some clarity on the real rules for foreign investment in strategically important New Zealand infrastructure assets.
A Treasury report illustrates the real risks New Zealand companies face because of self-interested Government decisions.
Treasury notes changes to the Overseas Investment Act regime will make it easier for future governments to take a more selective approach to foreign investment.
This needs to be challenged. Is the Government's stance restricted to Auckland Airport or does it have other assets in mind, such as financial institutions and news media?
While Weldon's at it, he should renew his push on the Reserve Bank to bring down interest rates - businesses, not just mortgage payers, are now hurting.
Then get some reality into the emissions trading scheme debate - and siphon off the NZX's regulatory arm to concentrate on its core businesses.
