Finance News & Articles
Government Seeks Feedback on Capital Market Reforms to Boost Kiwi Business Growth
22 hours ago | 44 viewsThe Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of capital market reforms aimed at lowering the cost of raising capital for Kiwi businesses and improving returns for investors, with a focus on modernizing rules to keep pace with innovation and maintain investor protections. This phase follows last year’s reforms that reduced compliance costs and barriers to listing on the NZX, and now targets eight specific areas including product disclosure, director liability, crowdfunding limits, and broker activity. The consultation, open for six weeks, invites input from businesses, investors, and financial advisers to help create dynamic, competitive markets that support economic growth.
Tags: Cameron Brewer Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister KiwiSaver MBIE NZX New Zealand Government capital market reforms economic growth crowdfundingNew NZ Guidelines Boost Overseas Investment in Supermarkets for Lower Prices
1 day ago | 90 viewsAssociate Finance Minister David Seymour has welcomed new Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) guidelines designed to simplify the Overseas Investment Act for international investors, particularly in the supermarket and grocery sector, aiming to attract credible investors and increase market competition. The government has also reformed application processing, significantly reducing average assessment times from 71 to 23 working days and meeting targets of five or fewer days for most investments, thereby streamlining approval processes. These changes are intended to boost international investment, which is vital for New Zealand’s economic growth, productivity, and job creation.
Tags: David Seymour Land Information New Zealand LINZ Overseas Investment Act New Zealand international investors supermarket sector grocery retail investment guidelines economic growthNZ Government Accounts Show Stronger Economy with Higher Revenue and Lower Deficit
1 week ago | 224 viewsThe latest government accounts reveal stronger-than-expected core Crown revenue and lower expenses, indicating an improving economy. Corporate tax revenue rose by $700 million, reflecting increased business profitability, and the deficit was $3 billion lower than forecast. Despite recent challenges like the Middle East conflict, economic indicators such as falling oil prices, rising business confidence, and increased exports suggest the economy is regaining momentum.
Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister New Zealand government accounts economy Crown revenue corporate tax OBEGALx Middle East conflict inflation expectationsNew Zealand Unifies AML/CFT Regulation Under DIA to Combat Financial Crime
2 weeks ago | 190 viewsNew Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has become the sole regulator for anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), consolidating oversight of about 6,100 reporting entities to provide clearer guidance and reduce compliance burdens. The government has passed multiple reform bills and launched a four-year AML/CFT National Strategy (2026–2030) aimed at making it easier to do business while targeting organized crime and fraud. An industry levy, starting in July 2027 and designed with sector input, will help fund enhanced intelligence sharing, supervision, and regulatory administration to strengthen New Zealand’s ability to detect and disrupt money laundering.
Tags: Nicole McKee Department of Internal Affairs New Zealand Financial Markets Authority Reserve Bank Ministry of Justice Financial Intelligence Unit organised crimeKiwiSaver Contribution Increase Boosts Retirement Savings for 1.8 Million Kiwis
3 weeks ago | 248 viewsNearly 99.5% of KiwiSaver contributors have accepted the increased default contribution rate from 3% to 3.5%, enhancing their retirement savings and financial security. This change affects about 1.8 million employees, with contributions rising from 6% to 7% of wages when including employer matches, and will increase further in 2028. The higher contributions are projected to significantly boost retirement funds, helping young New Zealanders both in retirement and in purchasing their first homes.
Tags: KiwiSaver Nicola Willis New Zealand retirement contribution rates financial security superannuation wages property ladder employee deductionsNew Anti-Scam Measures Protect Kiwis and Businesses from Online Fraud
1 month ago | 326 viewsThe Anti-Scam Alliance in New Zealand has launched new initiatives, including expanding the banking sector's "Confirmation of Payee" system and introducing the New Zealand Online Scams Code, to better protect people and businesses from scammers. This collaborative effort involves telcos, digital platforms, banks, government, and consumer groups working together to block scam content and prevent fraud, building on successful pilot programs that saved millions in losses. These measures complement legal changes and aim to create a safer online environment, giving New Zealanders greater confidence to engage in digital transactions without fear.
Tags: Cameron Brewer New Zealand Commerce and Consumer Affairs Confirmation of Payee Google Meta TikTok Trade Me Fair Trading ActCommerce Commission Proposes Cut to Company Card Fees Saving NZ Businesses $40M Annually
1 month ago | 328 viewsThe Commerce Commission has proposed reducing the fees businesses pay to accept company cards, potentially saving retailers around $40 million annually and contributing to a total expected saving of up to $290 million per year for businesses. Commerce Minister Cameron Brewer highlighted that current interchange fees in New Zealand are nearly double those in Australia and unfairly burden businesses, which often pass these costs onto consumers through higher prices. The draft decision is open for consultation, with a final ruling expected later this year, aiming to ensure fairer payment processing costs and benefits for both businesses and consumers.
Tags: Commerce Commission Cameron Brewer retailers interchange fees company cards businesses consumers New Zealand Government banksGovernment to Boost NZ Superannuation Fund Contributions to $3.1 Billion by 2030
1 month ago | 334 viewsThe New Zealand Government plans to contribute $3.1 billion to the Superannuation Fund over the next four years, an increase of $2.2 billion due to updated population and inflation forecasts. The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation have lowered their expected long-term returns from 7.8% to 7.2%, reflecting anticipated weaker global equity market performance. Contributions will continue until 2054, with superannuation costs projected to rise from $24.7 billion to $31.2 billion by 2029/30 as the population ages.
Tags: New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nicola Willis Government contributions Super Fund Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Treasury Budget forecasts inflation forecasts population projections Finance MinisterBudget 2026: Targeted Support and Fuel Resilience Amid Global Crisis
1 month ago | 382 viewsThe Budget addresses the global fuel crisis with temporary, targeted support and provisions for further action if needed, including increased funding for frontline services, a $50 weekly boost to the In-Work Tax Credit, and $150 million for strategic fuel reserves. It also supports public transport, raises mileage rates for support workers, and sets aside a $450 million reserve for additional measures should conditions worsen. Emphasizing fiscal discipline, the Government aims to protect households and businesses while maintaining New Zealand’s financial resilience amid ongoing global uncertainties.
Tags: Nicola Willis Budget 2026 New Zealand fuel crisis Fire and Emergency Corrections Police Customs EducationBudget 2026 Introduces Prudential Levy on NZ Banks and Financial Firms
1 month ago | 373 viewsBudget 2026 introduces a new prudential levy on banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers, and financial market participants to cover Reserve Bank regulatory costs, aligning with international practices and ensuring taxpayers do not bear these expenses. The levy, expected to raise around $209 million over four years, will be paid to the Reserve Bank and returned to the government via increased dividends, with implementation planned for mid-2027 after consultation. This measure aims to strengthen New Zealand’s financial system by funding supervision, licensing, monitoring, and crisis management of regulated entities, including 27 banks, 14 non-bank deposit takers, 81 insurers, and five financial market infrastructures.
Tags: Budget 2026 prudential levy Reserve Bank Nicola Willis Financial Markets Authority Commerce Commission New Zealand banks insurers financial market participants financial regulationBudget 2026: New Prudential Levy on NZ Banks and Financial Market Players
1 month ago | 367 viewsBudget 2026 introduces a new prudential levy on banks, non-bank deposit takers, insurers, and financial market participants to fund the Reserve Bank’s regulatory and supervisory services, ensuring these costs are borne by the industry rather than taxpayers. The levy, estimated to raise around $209 million over four years, aligns with international practices and will be implemented by mid-2027 after sector consultation. It targets a broad range of financial entities, including 27 banks, 14 non-bank deposit takers, 81 insurers, and five financial market infrastructures, supporting the Reserve Bank’s role in maintaining financial stability.
Tags: Budget 2026 prudential levy Reserve Bank Nicola Willis Financial Markets Authority Commerce Commission New Zealand banks insurers financial market infrastructure financial regulationBudget 2026: Boosting Services and Infrastructure for a Stronger New Zealand
1 month ago | 347 viewsBudget 2026 focuses on responsible fiscal management by boosting funding for essential services and investing in critical infrastructure to support New Zealand’s future growth without increasing debt. It aims to strengthen the economy with projected growth, falling unemployment, rising wages, and a return to surplus by 2028/29, enabling targeted support for households affected by rising costs. The Budget also advances reforms in energy, planning, and public services to improve affordability, resilience, and economic opportunities for New Zealanders.
Tags: Budget 2026 Nicola Willis New Zealand Finance Minister public services infrastructure economic growth fiscal surplus debt reduction energy reformsNew Zealand Forecasts Budget Surplus in 2028/29, Debt Reduction Ahead
1 month ago | 423 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that disciplined economic management has led to an earlier-than-expected return to a government surplus in 2028/29, reducing borrowing and debt servicing costs. The government continues investing in essential services and infrastructure within an affordable funding framework while improving fiscal health, including a $2.6 billion surplus forecast and a lowered bond issuance by $6 billion. This fiscal repair strengthens New Zealand's resilience against future global and environmental uncertainties, benefiting all citizens.
Tags: Nicola Willis Treasury New Zealand Government OBEGALx surplus New Zealand Debt Management fiscal management economic forecast debt reduction government bondsBudget 2026: New Zealand’s Responsible Plan for Growth, Security, and Better Services
1 month ago | 342 viewsThe 2026 Budget presents a responsible economic plan addressing New Zealand’s major challenges through disciplined spending, aiming for growth, higher wages, improved public services, and an earlier return to surplus in 2028/29. It invests significantly in health, education, law and order, infrastructure, and defense while providing targeted support for low-to-middle-income families and enhancing resilience against fuel crises, natural disasters, and geopolitical uncertainties. The Government emphasizes long-term solutions over quick fixes, promoting fiscal sustainability and social equity to secure a prosperous future for all New Zealanders.
Tags: Mr Speaker David Seymour Shane Jones Chris Bishop James Harriet Reuben Gloria Dame Karen Poutasi Minister JonesNew Zealand Budget 2026: $7B Investment to Boost Infrastructure and Jobs
1 month ago | 575 viewsBudget 2026 allocates $7 billion in capital investment to enhance New Zealand’s infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, transport, social housing, and defense facilities, supporting thousands of jobs. The funding aims to build a resilient, modern, and fit-for-purpose public infrastructure that meets the needs of communities and prepares the country for economic shocks, natural disasters, and population growth. This investment is partially funded through savings and asset recycling, ensuring responsible financial management while boosting economic growth and frontline services.
Tags: Nicola Willis Chris Bishop Budget 2026 New Zealand infrastructure hospitals schools social housing transport Defence