Articles tagged with Consumers

New Zealand Faces Tariff Increase on US Exports: Implications and Response

4 days ago | 244 views

The United States will increase tariffs on New Zealand exports from 10% to 15% starting August 7, aligning New Zealand with other US trading partners like Japan and South Korea based on trade deficits. Despite New Zealand's modest surplus of around US$500 million with the US, the overall trade relationship is balanced and complementary. Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay is urgently seeking to discuss the tariff increase with the US Trade Representative to mitigate its impact on exporters and consumers and maintain the strength of the trading relationship.

Tags: United States New Zealand Todd McClay tariffs trade deficits trade relationship US Trade Representative exporters consumers open trade

Pharmac’s New Consumer Working Group: Resetting the Patient-Pharmac Relationship for Better Health Outcomes

2 weeks ago | 319 views

Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes Pharmac's new consumer working group to improve its collaboration with health consumers, emphasizing the importance of patient input in decision-making processes. The working group, led by Dr. Malcolm Mulholland, includes members representing various health conditions, aiming to reset the relationship between Pharmac and the consumer community. The government's support includes increased funding for Pharmac to negotiate better deals for medicine and enhance access for patients and their families.

Tags: David Seymour Malcolm Mulholland Pharmac Consumer working group Patient advocacy Patient engagement Health consumers Medicines Patient Voice Aotearoa New Zealanders

Finance Minister Nicola Willis: Inflation Under Control as Govt Focuses on Economic Growth

2 weeks ago | 250 views

New data released by Stats NZ today shows inflation at 2.7 per cent for the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter, remaining within the Reserve Bank's target range, according to Finance Minister Nicola Willis. This marks the fourth consecutive quarter of inflation being within the target range, contrasting with previous higher rates under the previous government. Local authority rates and payments were noted as the largest contributor to annual inflation, prompting the government to call for better management to keep rates under control and ensure economic growth for job creation and public services funding.

Tags: inflation Finance Minister Nicola Willis Stats NZ Consumers Price Index Reserve Bank New Zealanders council rates local authority rates economic growth New Zealand

Sharpened focus on quality economic, population stats

1 month ago | 347 views

Statistics Minister Dr Shane Reti has today announced a major new direction for Stats NZ, replacing the traditional paper-based census and increasing the frequency and quality of economic data to underpin the Government’s growth agenda. From 2030, New Zealand will move away from a traditional nationwide census and adopt a new approach using administrative data, supported by a smaller annual survey and targeted data collection. “This approach will save time and money while delivering more timely insights into New Zealand’s population,” says Dr Reti.

Tags: Consumers Government New zealand Reserve bank Shane reti Stats nz Zealand