NZ is divided, not united

NZ is divided, not united
Any fiscal consolidation path by the Government requires a degree of social cohesion, Cameron Bargie writes. (Image: Getty)
Cameron Bagrie
Westpac economists released a really good piece last week noting that while New Zealand’s sovereign credit rating is one of the highest in the world, “external and fiscal metrics mean that NZ is vulnerable to a future downgrade, especially if a large negative shock to the economy was to occur”. I would add stagnant economic growth on a per capita basis to the vulnerability list. If per capita growth is stagnant or weak, governments do not have a rising funding base to draw on to meet spending demands. The potential f...

More Economy

Trade data shows imports down, exports up in November
Economy

Trade data shows imports down, exports up in November

The latest trade data follow Thursday's dire GDP result.

Staff reporters 20 Dec 2024
GDP plunge may spur speculation about a 75bps cut
Economy

GDP plunge may spur speculation about a 75bps cut

The past two quarters mark the weakest six months since June 1991. 

Rebecca Howard 19 Dec 2024
Massive GDP fall: NZ in deep recession
Economy

Massive GDP fall: NZ in deep recession

New Zealand’s gross domestic product fell 1.0% in the September 2024 quarter.The massive fall came after a revised 1.1% decrease in the June 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ on Thursday.“The structure of the New Zealand economy can change quickly, which is...

Staff reporters 19 Dec 2024