The Australian

New Zealand faces an economic crisis due to rising oil prices and supply disruptions, prompting officials to prepare contingency plans. Previous crises were met with borrowing rather than structural reforms, perpetuating deep-rooted issues.

Australia and New Zealand face economic challenges stemming from declining productivity. Their central banks have divergent policies, but both nations must address structural reforms to foster sustainable growth and efficiency.

Australia’s economic transformation since the 1980s resulted more from Hawke-Keating reforms that opened markets than from the Trade Practices Act. Effective competition arises from fewer barriers, not merely regulations.

At the World Economic Forum, Mark Carney emphasised the need for middle powers to reform their policy-making systems. New Zealand’s recent reforms highlight the challenges of bureaucracy and accountability in achieving lasting change.

It is timely to reflect on Münster’s town hall, birthplace of the Westphalia peace treaty, contrasting its legacy with contemporary views on sovereignty – not least the erosion of established territorial norms, particularly through the actions of U.S. leaders.

New Zealand’s fiscal crisis is highlighted by a public spat between Finance Minister Nicola Willis and former Minister Ruth Richardson, revealing deep structural deficits and political constraints in addressing them.

New Zealand’s economy in late 2025 shows conflicting signs: business confidence rises amid empty storefronts, a weakening population, and an unsteady recovery lacking strong fundamentals and genuine growth.

New Zealand’s political landscape has shifted, where emotional connection and simple promises overshadow policy substance, leading to Labour’s surprising resurgence amid declining confidence in traditional governance.