Export goals unmet while work lags desires

Export goals unmet while work lags desires
Port of Tauranga critically needs to expand. (Image: Alex Cairns)
Cameron Bagrie
Exports now stand at less than 25% of gross domestic product. We are running a large trade and current account deficit. Exports form a major part of New Zealand’s economic base.The National party has a goal to double exports in the next 10 years. The reasoning is simple. Trade and exports are part of the economic base that finances our wellbeing.Doubling our exports requires a compound growth rate of 7.2% a year. Conceptually it’s achievable. Inflation should get you one-third of the way, which serves to highlight that nom...

More Policy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: Air NZ’s Ravishankar grows up in public

The national airline’s new CEO faces plenty of challenges, some self-inflicted.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025