Flatten the curve, not the economy, says Bridges

Flatten the curve, not the economy, says Bridges
Pattrick Smellie
New Zealand has done a great job "flattening the curve" of the coronavirus outbreak, but now it must stop that response from "flattening the economy," National Party leader Simon Bridges said today in a crucial pre-Budget speech.Reeling from a leaked UMR poll last week that showed his party slumping to 29 percent support, Bridges came armed with two key new pieces of policy: a scheme to pay up to $100,000 of GST back to businesses that suffer more than a 50 percent collapse in revenue because of covid-19 and a far...

More Economy

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious
Economy

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious

The key is that any changes add value, says Assistant Governor Karen Silk.

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high
Economy

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high

Business confidence jumped another nine points from 58 to 67 in November, the highest level in 11 years, the ANZ Business Outlook survey for November shows.“Things are looking up!” said ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner.“Out of a hole, admittedly,” she added.When interpreting qu...

Staff reporters 27 Nov 2025
Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board
Economy

Rodger Finlay new RBNZ chair, Rhiannon McKinnon to board

Finlay is expected to deliver increased accountability and transparency.

Rebecca Howard 27 Nov 2025
RBNZ rate cuts likely done but the door remains open
Economy

RBNZ rate cuts likely done but the door remains open

The next cash rate decision will be Feb 18.

Rebecca Howard 27 Nov 2025