'Boom, bap, boom boom': The drums are beating for a credit rating downgrade

'Boom, bap, boom boom': The drums are beating for a credit rating downgrade
(Image: Getty)
Cameron Bagrie
Last year, I noted the risk of a sovereign credit rating downgrade. It would not be the end of the world, representing a margin of excellence tweak, but a dent in the Government's fiscal and economic credibility.Those drums for a downgrade are now starting to beat louder, with S&P Global Ratings recently downgrading the institutional framework assessment for local authorities. Mind you, it would be somewhat ironic for New Zealand to receive one, given ballooning debt levels in many other OECD nations such as the US and the UK. ...

More Opinion

AI in Government: A shortcut to cuts?
Opinion

Peter Griffin: AI in Government: A shortcut to cuts?

Upskilling senior public servants to lead the charge on AI uptake is crucial.

Peter Griffin 28 May 2025
Budget opens cracks in KiwiSaver
Opinion

David Chaplin: Budget opens cracks in KiwiSaver

Not everything will be hunky-dory for Kiwisaver members after last week's Budget.

David Chaplin 27 May 2025
Tax promises are cheap, but the bill is coming
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: Tax promises are cheap, but the bill is coming

Can promises around no new taxes really be believed?

Dileepa Fonseka 26 May 2025
The Government's Bunny Budget
Opinion

Cameron Bagrie: The Government's Bunny Budget

Budget 2026 is going to be the real test of this Government’s fiscal credentials.

Cameron Bagrie 26 May 2025