Treasury signals need for independent fiscal watchdog

The Treasury says “New Zealand could consider establishing an independent fiscal institution to scrutinise and report on the sustainability of fiscal policy, as many other countries have done”. (Image: NZME)

Cameron Bagrie

Mon, 11 Aug 2025

Did the Treasury just give the green light for an independent fiscal institution? I hope so. With rising demands on fiscal policy, there needs to come even greater transparency and monitoring. The Treasury is conflicted.“Government overcooked spending during pandemic, against official advice, harming economy – Treasury” read the NZ Herald headline.Hindsight is always a wonderful thing, but it’s hard to argue with the spirit of what was laid out with covid relief support of around $66 billion, at aroun...

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