Worst transnational operating in New Zealand: The finalists

CAFCA and GATT Watchdog have announced the finalists for the 2005 Roger Award for the worst transnational corporation (TNC) operating in New Zealand.

The nominees are, in no particular order:

• Telecom
• Westpac
• BNZ
• Toll (took over Tranz Rail in 2004)
• Comalco (including subsidiary NZ Aluminium Smelters Ltd)
• Guardian Healthcare (owns private aged care rest homes and hospitals)
• Merck Sharp and Dome (a drug company)
• British American Tobacco

In reaching their decision a team of eminent judges will assess the negative impact of the finalists in each or all of the following categories:

• Economic Dominance - monopoly, profiteering, tax dodging, cultural imperialism.
• People - unemployment, impact on tangata whenua, impact on women, impact on children, abuse of workers/conditions, health and safety of workers and the public, cultural imperialism.
• Environment - environmental damage, abuse of animals.
• Political interference - cultural imperialism, running an ideological crusade.

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In a novel move, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) have "congratulated" British American Tobacco on being a finalist in the 2005 Roger Award.
“In light of the fact that half of their best customers will die as a result of smoking their products, it is only right that British American Tobacco New Zealand be recognised for their contribution to our society,” says Becky Freeman, Director, ASH NZ.

Judges for the 2005 Roger Award are John Minto, Laila Harre, Maire Leadbeater and Mary-Ellen O'Connor. May the very worst transnational win!

PS: If you have any goss on irresponsible deeds committed by the TNCs listed above please feel free to comment. Who do you think should win?