The case for a pre-Christmas mini-budget

The case for a pre-Christmas mini-budget
One-track question lines on fiscal policy hide deeper issues. (Image: BusinessDesk)
Pattrick Smellie
Who is the more ridiculous?Is it Christopher Luxon for his dogged refusal, day after day, to show the workings for the National party’s $740 million estimate of tax to be paid from a levy on foreign buyers of swanky homes?Or is it the media continually asking the same question, day after day, creating the preconditions for theatrical petulance at being perpetually stonewalled?Given that National’s momentum in the polls appears to be cementing, it is almost becoming fair to conclude that – shock, horror – voters don&rsquo...

More Economy

A brief inflation spike won’t spook the RBNZ
Economy

A brief inflation spike won’t spook the RBNZ

Some economists believe annual inflation could reach 3.1% in the third quarter. 

Rebecca Howard 17 Oct 2025
Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey
Finance

Otago a lukewarm jewel of economic temperature: survey

An economic thermometer reveals a cool-to-cold mood hanging over NZ, with Otago lukewarm.

Staff reporters 15 Oct 2025
Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios
Economy

Reserve Bank to ease mortgage loan-to-value ratios

The bank is relaxing LVR settings from the start of December.

Rebecca Howard 14 Oct 2025
Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association
Finance

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025: NZ Banking Association

Growth in new home loans eases in H1 2025 as NZ emerges from difficult economic climate.

Staff reporters 13 Oct 2025