29 Sep 2026
3 weeks ago
219 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.
28 May 2026
4 months ago
956 views
Budget 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.
28 May 2026
4 months ago
900 views
Finance 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.
23 Apr 2026
6 months ago
984 views
Moody’s downgrade of New Zealand’s Aaa outlook to negative highlights the need for disciplined spending, balanced budgets, and debt reduction to avoid higher borrowing costs and economic pressure on families. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes that temporary, targeted support is crucial amid global uncertainties, warning against excessive borrowing that would increase debt servicing costs and reduce funding for essential public services. Despite the outlook change, New Zealand maintains its top credit rating due to its resilient economy and fiscal discipline, with economic growth seen as key to improving the outlook and supporting prosperity.
12 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1413 views
One year after launching its Turnaround Plan, Kāinga Ora has significantly improved financial management by reducing debt forecasts, cutting operating costs, and lowering build expenses through standardized designs and better procurement. The agency is maintaining its social housing stock while enhancing quality via renewals and retrofits, selling unsuitable properties, and exceeding new home delivery targets. Tenant satisfaction and safety have increased, rent arrears and vacancy rates have declined, and Kāinga Ora is more effectively managing anti-social behavior and complaints, reflecting stronger governance and operational focus.
16 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1523 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes the need for continued fiscal discipline to restore New Zealand’s budget surplus and reduce debt, despite Treasury’s forecast of a strong economic recovery with 3% growth and low inflation. The government aims for a surplus by 2028/29 through a medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy, maintaining tight control over discretionary spending and limiting operating allowances to $2.4 billion next year. Priorities include health, education, defence, and law and order, with new funding to come from savings and reprioritisation, ensuring the country remains fiscally responsible compared to other advanced economies.
19 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1147 views
The Government expresses regret over the impact of the planned strike by unions on patients, students, and families, noting the strike's apparent political motivation and disruption to education and healthcare services. The Government emphasizes its efforts to negotiate fair pay increases for teachers, doctors, and nurses, highlighting specific salary offers and benefits provided. Despite financial constraints and increased public debt, the Government seeks to resolve disputes through dialogue and urges unions to prioritize settlements over strikes to ensure the continuity of essential services.
09 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1209 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlighted the 2024/25 government financial statements, showcasing progress in restoring fiscal discipline. Key points include a decrease in core Crown expenses, steady net core Crown debt, and a better-than-forecast deficit in the operating balance. The Government's focus on savings has allowed for increased investment in key sectors while maintaining tax relief, with future plans to further reduce government spending as part of ongoing fiscal discipline efforts.
19 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1371 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pleased with Fitch Ratings affirming New Zealand's AA+ credit rating, attributing it to the government's prudent financial management. Fitch acknowledges New Zealand's strong commitment to fiscal consolidation and warns that a deviation from this path could impact creditworthiness. Willis emphasizes the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility to avoid a credit downgrade, which would raise government debt costs and potentially affect households and businesses.