M&A outlook: Which cash-hungry sectors could drive NZ dealmaking in 2026

Chapman Tripp partner Rachel Dunne and PwC's Regan Hoult weigh in on the year ahead. (Image: BusinessDesk/Jacques Steenkamp)

Rebecca Stevenson

Fri, 09 Jan 2026

One of New Zealand’s top mergers and acquisitions commentators says the need for cash across sectors such as energy, infrastructure and healthcare is one of the top factors that will drive activity in 2026. PricewaterhouseCoopers' (PwC) partner Regan Hoult said deal flow in 2026 will be underpinned by significant capital needs, policy settings that encourage private investment and local government balance sheet pressures. Hoult said several sectors will need to raise funds, including technology, healthcare, energy...

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