19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1226 views
Economic data shows New Zealand's economy grew by 0.2% in the December quarter, with a 1.1% increase in the second half of 2025 after a flat first half. Finance Minister Nicola Willis notes that despite volatility and recent Middle East conflicts, the economy is starting from a stronger position than in previous years. While the conflict may impact growth, forecasts still predict continued economic growth in 2026 under realistic scenarios.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1226 views
New Zealand has passed the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill to transition from a five-yearly census to an annual approach using existing government data, a smaller survey, and targeted collection, starting in 2030. This change addresses rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions, ensuring more timely and accurate population data essential for planning public services. Additionally, the legislation modifies electoral boundary reviews to occur after every second general election instead of after every census, maintaining regularity while reflecting population changes.
03 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1257 views
New Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.
13 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1483 views
New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals surpassed 3.5 million in the year to December 2025, driven by strong growth from China and Australia, marking significant progress toward pre-COVID tourism levels. The Government supports this recovery through initiatives like promoting New Zealand as a year-round destination, streamlining travel processes, and introducing the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for easier access, which has notably encouraged Chinese and Pacific visitors. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasizes that these efforts are boosting economic growth, supporting jobs, and establishing New Zealand as a preferred holiday destination.
04 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1296 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that an additional 15,000 people gained jobs in New Zealand in the last quarter of the year, alongside increased hours worked and job-seeking activity, indicating a growing economy. Although the unemployment rate rose slightly to 5.4%, it remains below Treasury forecasts, with expectations of a future decline as economic recovery continues. Additionally, the proportion of young people not in education, training, or employment decreased, reflecting positive outcomes from government efforts to support business growth and employment.
18 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1507 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis welcomed the strong 1.1% economic growth in the third quarter, driven by 14 of 16 sectors, signaling a positive turnaround after challenging years. Key job-rich sectors like manufacturing, construction, and business services showed significant growth, alongside increases in exports and investment, indicating promising future job prospects and higher incomes. With GDP per capita rising 0.9% and forecasts predicting accelerated growth and lower unemployment next year, the government’s strategy to strengthen the economy appears effective.
13 Nov 2025
11 months ago
2268 views
Tourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.
05 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1164 views
Labour market statistics released today show a slight increase in unemployment to 5.3% in the September quarter, aligning with forecasts. The Finance Minister emphasizes the government's commitment to rebuilding the economy and creating more job opportunities for New Zealanders. Efforts include reducing taxes, boosting investments, and supporting businesses to drive economic recovery and job growth.
20 Oct 2025
1 year ago
1161 views
Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop welcomes latest figures showing inflation within Reserve Bank's target range, with annual CPI inflation rising from 2.7% to 3% in the year to September 2025. Expectations are for inflation to decline towards 2% in the first half of next year, easing pressure on households and businesses. Top contributors to the annual increase were electricity (up 11.3%) and local authority rates and payments (up 8.8%), emphasizing the need for increased electricity supply and competition and the impact of local government rates on New Zealanders' finances.
27 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1555 views
New Zealand's gender pay gap decreased from 8.2% to 5.2% in the June 2025 quarter, the lowest since data collection began in 1998, as reported by Stats NZ. Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, hailed the improvement as positive news for women in the country. The government is dedicated to economic growth, with efforts to reduce pay gaps, increase wages, and create more job opportunities, though challenges persist in addressing ethnic pay gaps.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1647 views
Finance Minister Nicola Willis has acknowledged the latest labour market data, revealing a lower-than-expected unemployment rate of 5.2% for the June quarter, below the Treasury's forecast of 5.4%. Despite challenges like inflation and rising interest rates, the government's efforts have led to 8,000 fewer unemployed individuals than initially projected, with a focus on economic recovery and job creation through initiatives like government-funded construction projects and investment incentives. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in average hourly earnings by 4.5% in the past year, surpassing the inflation rate of 2.7%.
21 Jul 2025
1 year ago
2011 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.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2831 views
Today’s surprise economic result is great news for workers, families and businesses, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said today. “Stats NZ reported today that the economy grew 0. 8 per cent in the first three months of the year, twice the rate forecast by the Treasury and the Reserve Bank a short time ago.
18 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2444 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.