Ukraine invasion – potential impact on NZ economy

Ukraine invasion – potential impact on NZ economy
A roadblock in rural Ukraine, a traditional breadbasket for Europe. (Image: Getty)
Brian Gaynor
As the Russian invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth week, it is worth noting that the New Zealand economy has benefited from major military conflicts in the past.For example, the country’s three best GDP growth years since 1920 have been as follows:15.6% GDP growth in 1951, mainly because of the Korean War.15.3% in 1937 as the economy recovered from the Great Depression.12.6% growth in 1943, mainly due to World War 11.NZ is a soft commodity producer and overseas commentators are suggesting that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could lead to a...

More Opinion

A blueprint to beat our economic malaise
Opinion

Peter Griffin: A blueprint to beat our economic malaise

NZ must trade talk for execution and invest in talent to escape its economic woes. 

KiwiSaver: Why side-pockets are out
Opinion

David Chaplin: KiwiSaver: Why side-pockets are out

Government scraps KiwiSaver reforms, keeps only disclosure tweak.

David Chaplin 04 Nov 2025
The politics of whose capital gets taxed
Opinion

Dileepa Fonseka: The politics of whose capital gets taxed

Politically, there are now 'good' capital gains and 'bad'.

Dileepa Fonseka 03 Nov 2025