Far bigger debt buffer to become permanent

The government is raising the so-called ‘liquidity buffer’ to $15 billion. (Image: Getty images)

Wed, 15 Dec 2021

The government will entrench the much higher level of cash and near-cash debt that it has held through the covid-19 pandemic, raising the so-called ‘liquidity buffer’ to $15 billion.That compares to a historic buffer of “at least” $2b.A statement from the Treasury’s New Zealand Debt Management (NZDM) office says ramping up the buffer to more than $15b “enabled the government to support the economy through the peak of the crisis and was critical”.However, the increase had been achieved during a period of...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

On the Money

On The Money: 50 Cent Luxon, crime, cones and more...

PM took a police squad to Chemist Warehouse. Next stop: JB Hi-Fi with an army?

Dileepa Fonseka 27 Jul 2024

Fail File

The Fail File: Trish Clark, art expert and gallery owner

'Worrying is pointless and a waste of energy in a crisis'.

Victoria Carter 27 Jul 2024

The Fail File: Trish Clark, art expert and gallery owner

Opinion

Simon Robertson: Nike. Are they doing it?

Business models are incredibly important. Nike’s is flaying.

Simon Robertson 27 Jul 2024

Sponsored

NZ’s “terrible” statistic

Course aims to build employee resilience & business productivity.

Resilient Minds

Sponsored

Digital skills shortage hurting NZ

2degrees study: many companies failing to leverage technology.

2degrees

More Economy

Economy

ANZ survey: ‘The worst will soon be past’

ANZ-Roy Morgan's survey shows that consumer confidence bounced back from recessionary lows in July.“It’s still very low but has clawed back about half the March-April fall that coincided with ‘recession’ headlines. The lift was driven by improving expectations rather than the...

Staff reporters 26 Jul 2024