The case for a pre-Christmas mini-budget

The case for a pre-Christmas mini-budget
One-track question lines on fiscal policy hide deeper issues. (Image: BusinessDesk)
Pattrick Smellie
Who is the more ridiculous?Is it Christopher Luxon for his dogged refusal, day after day, to show the workings for the National party’s $740 million estimate of tax to be paid from a levy on foreign buyers of swanky homes?Or is it the media continually asking the same question, day after day, creating the preconditions for theatrical petulance at being perpetually stonewalled?Given that National’s momentum in the polls appears to be cementing, it is almost becoming fair to conclude that – shock, horror – voters don&rsquo...

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Weak economy prompts dovish RBNZ pivot
Economy

Weak economy prompts dovish RBNZ pivot

The Reserve Bank forecasts point to two more rate cuts this year. 

Updated: RBNZ turns more dovish
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Updated: RBNZ turns more dovish

The latest forecast imply two more rate cuts to come. 

Rebecca Howard 20 Aug 2025
RBNZ cuts to 3%, sees cash rate reaching 2.5%
Economy

RBNZ cuts to 3%, sees cash rate reaching 2.5%

RBNZ cuts by 25bps but thought about 50bps. 

Rebecca Howard 20 Aug 2025