Independent costings needed for tough political decisions

Independent costings needed for tough political decisions
An independent institution needs to examine party costings.
Cameron Bagrie
Last week, I noted the need for an Independent Fiscal Institution.One key reason was an Independent Fiscal Institution's (IFI) independence regarding the appropriateness of assumptions used in fiscal forecasts.Anyone can make up a set of projections; their use and validity are critically dependent on the assumptions underpinning them, which need to be robust.One such assumption is productivity growth. It drives economic growth and government revenue.The Treasury has acknowledged their 1% long-run productivity growth assumption, which i...

More Economy

US tariff risk less than expected for FPH, Jarden says
Economy

US tariff risk less than expected for FPH, Jarden says

Jarden says tariff-related impacts on earnings would be "nominal" by 2030.

John Anthony 04 Apr 2025
Trump’s tariffs may spur a more dovish RBNZ
Economy

Trump’s tariffs may spur a more dovish RBNZ

The risk appears more weighted to the RBNZ cutting the OCR further than otherwise.

Rebecca Howard 04 Apr 2025
Iron sand project could deliver $265m GDP boost: NZIER
Economy

Iron sand project could deliver $265m GDP boost: NZIER

Iron sands mining in Taranaki could create 1365 jobs, NZIER report says.

John Anthony 04 Apr 2025
NZX-listed companies take stock in wake of US tariff moves
Economy

NZX-listed companies take stock in wake of US tariff moves

Wine makers, manufacturers and others mull what trade wars will bring.

Ian Llewellyn 03 Apr 2025