14 Oct 2026
1 week ago
201 views
The New Zealand Government has extended its agreement with Z Energy to maintain a 550,000-barrel strategic diesel reserve at Marsden Point until August 2027, ensuring national fuel resilience amid global uncertainty. This reserve, critical for key industries and stored in refurbished tanks funded by $21.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, provides about nine days of typical national diesel consumption. The Government continues to monitor global developments, especially the Middle East conflict, and will respond as needed while limiting its financial exposure through the agreement.
29 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
222 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced that New Zealand’s updated pre-election economic forecast shows stronger growth, smaller deficits, bigger surpluses, reduced debt, and rising wages outpacing inflation. The improved outlook is attributed to households and businesses performing better than expected, resulting in increased tax revenue and lower government borrowing, which frees up funds for public priorities and strengthens resilience against global uncertainties. Willis emphasized the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and cautious spending to sustain this positive trajectory amid ongoing international risks.
09 Sep 2026
1 month ago
449 views
David McClatchy has been reappointed for three years as a member of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Board, which manages the NZ Superannuation Fund and Elevate NZ Venture Capital Fund valued at $94.4 billion. His extensive experience in investment management and governance contributes to the board’s stability, leadership, and expertise during a period of economic uncertainty. The reappointment reflects the Government’s commitment to strong governance and robust investment performance to grow New Zealand’s sovereign wealth funds for future generations.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
457 views
The Reserve Bank raised the Official Cash Rate to 2.75% and expects the economic recovery to strengthen and broaden, supported by a resilient export sector and increased household spending. Inflation is anticipated to return to the mid-point of the target range, boosting purchasing power. Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the assessment, highlighting the economy's resilience amid global challenges and the export-driven nature of the recovery.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
495 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the Reserve Bank’s assessment that the economic recovery is resuming and expected to broaden, highlighted by a 0.25 basis point increase in the Official Cash Rate to 2.75 percent. The Reserve Bank anticipates a strengthening recovery driven by a resilient export sector, increased household spending, and rising purchasing power as inflation moves toward the target range. Willis emphasized the economy’s resilience amid global challenges and noted that this recovery is export-led rather than reliant on rising house prices, offering a positive outlook despite ongoing difficulties.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
471 views
New legislation will allow farm workers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy their first home, addressing rules that previously excluded rural workers from first-home withdrawals. The bill also permits first-time farm buyers to use KiwiSaver funds for farms owned through companies, trusts, or partnerships they control, reflecting how farm ownership typically operates. These changes aim to make homeownership fairer and reduce debt for rural workers, enabling them to own property alongside their work.
02 Sep 2026
1 month ago
543 views
New legislation allows farm workers to use their KiwiSaver savings to buy their first home, addressing previous rules that excluded rural workers required to live on-site. The KiwiSaver (First Home or Farm) Amendment Bill also permits first-time farm buyers to use their savings when purchasing a farm through a majority-owned company, trust, or partnership, reflecting how farm ownership typically operates. This change aims to make farm ownership more accessible, reducing debt for new owners and recognizing the contributions of rural workers.
31 Aug 2026
1 month ago
514 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed S&P’s affirmation of New Zealand’s AA+ credit rating with a stable outlook, highlighting the agency’s confidence in the economy and government fiscal management. S&P forecasts 2.5% economic growth by June next year and praises New Zealand’s monetary policy flexibility, low net debt, and strong institutions, despite some external imbalances and fiscal deficits. The agency also acknowledges government actions like tax reductions and investment incentives aimed at reducing the deficit and revitalizing the economy, supporting a positive outlook for job creation and fiscal surplus.
31 Aug 2026
1 month ago
508 views
The New Zealand Government has cancelled the planned fuel excise increase for 2027 to ease the cost of living pressures on Kiwis, postponing the next increase to January 2028 and spreading subsequent hikes over time for a fairer transition. Despite the freeze, rising transport project costs and the need to maintain infrastructure funding mean fuel tax increases will resume gradually from 2028, with the National Land Transport Fund being topped up to cover revenue shortfalls. This decision is supported by careful fiscal management, allowing the government to balance economic recovery, inflation control, and infrastructure investment while monitoring international uncertainties.
07 Aug 2026
2 months ago
730 views
The New Zealand Government has entered binding agreements to monetise $642 million of interest-free loans provided to Chorus for fibre broadband rollout, generating net proceeds of approximately $702 million. This early monetisation enables reinvestment in critical infrastructure projects such as roads, hospitals, and schools, supporting economic growth and addressing the country's infrastructure deficit. The transaction does not affect Chorus ownership or services and reflects the Government’s commitment to disciplined public finances and strategic infrastructure investment.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
666 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis and Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer announced James Miller as the new chair of the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) for a five-year term starting August 6, highlighting his extensive experience in capital markets and governance. The government aims to reform New Zealand's capital markets by reducing costs and complexity to encourage local listings and strengthen KiwiSaver balances, with the FMA now overseeing consumer credit regulation as a single financial markets conduct regulator. Additionally, Trevor Janes was appointed to the FMA board for two years, both bringing significant expertise to support the FMA's role in promoting fair, efficient, and transparent financial markets.
06 Aug 2026
2 months ago
766 views
New Zealand is launching industry-led, future-focused secondary school subjects from 2029 to better align education with emerging job markets in sectors like manufacturing, energy, health, and tourism. These subjects, developed with industry input and valued equally to traditional subjects, aim to equip students with practical skills and clear pathways into trades, university, or employment, supported by a $15 million investment. The initiative fosters student engagement by connecting learning to real-world careers, benefiting both employers seeking skilled workers and students preparing for rewarding futures.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
680 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis acknowledges the second quarter was challenging for New Zealand's labour market, with rising costs and uncertainty causing employers to pause hiring, resulting in a 5.6% unemployment rate. The government is focusing on policies to boost economic growth and business confidence, including support for tourism, international education, major construction projects, infrastructure investment, and the Investment Boost initiative. These measures aim to encourage employers to invest and expand, fostering long-term job creation rather than quick fixes.
05 Aug 2026
2 months ago
611 views
The New Zealand Government has selected communities in Ōpōtiki, Porirua, and the West Coast to pilot Community-led Commissioning, allowing local leaders to design and manage social services tailored to their areas while being held accountable for outcomes. These groups will focus on addressing specific local priorities such as breaking cycles of disadvantage, securing housing, improving access to healthy food, and connecting health and social support across isolated regions. The initiative aims to replace centralized decision-making with community-driven solutions, with plans subject to Ministerial approval and the goal of expanding the approach nationwide if successful.
31 Jul 2026
2 months ago
640 views
The Gas Transition Loan Guarantee Scheme, launched by the New Zealand government, aims to help businesses reduce reliance on gas by providing loan guarantees covering 80% of default risk, enabling banks to offer better lending terms and unlock up to $1.2 billion in financing. This initiative supports regional industries facing high gas prices and supply uncertainty by promoting energy efficiency and alternative energy investments to maintain competitiveness and protect jobs. Additionally, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority offers independent support to help businesses assess energy options and plan practical transitions.