New Zealand would be great if it wasn't for the customers

New Zealand would be great if it wasn't for the customers
Value-add is more observed in the talking than the value-adding. (Image: Getty)
Dileepa Fonseka
If New Zealand had a dollar for every time it talked about the national need to add value there would be no current account deficit. Unfortunately we don’t, we instead have words in the form of reports, chief executive speeches, and think tank press releases coupled with a current account deficit. When it comes to New Zealand Inc, our motto is supposed to be "value over volume" but across tourism, retail, hospitality, agriculture and other sectors, we are more like someone trying to sell a $2 sausage sizzle for $20 who...

More Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
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.

Rebecca Howard 28 Nov 2025
‘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