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

Business confidence nixes July RBNZ cut
Economy

Business confidence nixes July RBNZ cut

Economists say July is a pause, not the end point.

Rebecca Howard 02 Jul 2025
Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future
Economy

Monthly CPI tech takes Stats NZ into the future

Budget funding for new inflation-reporting tech is a giant leap forward, agency says.

Maria Slade 27 Jun 2025
Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr
Primary Sector

Corporates think NZ 's on the up: Forsyth Barr

The Pulse of NZ Business survey found construction and retail continue to lag.

Gregor Thompson 25 Jun 2025