Going under in a sea of wealth – Wishbone and the Bowen St triangle

A tweet that launched a social influencer career. (Image: C Finny)

Sat, 19 Aug 2023

The weather was as dismal as the state of the political discourse and economic news the other day. So, as I walked up the Terrace, just past the Reserve Bank, I could not resist taking a quick snap of the view over the road. There, the recently closed Wishbone café branch was all dark while the lights of the Treasury offices were on. I posted this on what we used to call Twitter (now called X) with a comment that this photo pretty much summarized the state of the New Zealand economy. To date over 105,000 people hav...

Unlock all stories free for 10 days

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

We won’t charge for 10 days. You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call. Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].interval) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand.
We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

On the Money

On the Money: Brazil, Brown, Bridges and more

Matt Doocey's fear revealed, and the pilgrimage habits of NZ business leaders.

Dileepa Fonseka 5:00am

Technology

Seven everyday work problems AI helps me solve

AI’s ultimate impact is unknown, so focus on how it can make your life better right now.

The Wall Street Journal 5:00am

Seven everyday work problems AI helps me solve

Opinion

Simon Robertson: Start me up …

Well done, NZ, for inventing your nation of tinkerers.

Simon Robertson 5:00am

Sponsored

How Z is earning an "A" with Flick

Z Energy's entry into the electricity sector is helping support EV drivers.

Z Energy

Sponsored

Pathways to prosperity within the Māori economy

It’s time to unlock the productivity of Māori land and business.

ASB

More Economy

Economy

Nearly $2b worth of ANZ mortgages overdue

That's up from $1.5b the year prior.

Riley Kennedy 08 May 2024

Economy

Weak red meat prices drop ANZCO Foods' profit nearly 60%

But, unlike other major processors, it still managed to turn a profit.

Riley Kennedy 07 May 2024

Economy

ANZ increases cash profit as net interest margins get squeezed

ANZ New Zealand has reported a 4% increase in its half-yearly profit despite pressure squeezing its margins.The bank's cash profit increased to $1.15 billion in the six months to March, up from $1.1b in the same period last year, but stable compared to the second half of its...

Riley Kennedy 07 May 2024

Economy

Cameron Bagrie: Beyond the headlines: Jobs data points to a divided NZ

Cameron Bagrie 07 May 2024

Going under in a sea of wealth – Wishbone and the Bowen St triangle

More Economy

Your company has a subscription

Team