Fiscal policy – Dr Oliver Hartwich

Boom without bounty: NZ’s economic twist

08/09/2025

New Zealand’s economy shows contrasting realities: booming agricultural exports versus urban job losses, leading to government deficits amidst high trading conditions without financial reserves.

[…]

When the numbers tell a different story to the government’s tale

27/08/2025

New Zealand’s government claims credit for recent interest rate cuts, but the Reserve Bank cites economic struggles. Rising public debt, inflated welfare costs and declining productivity present major fiscal challenges ahead.

[…]

The Green Budget fantasy

16/05/2025

The Green Budget presents an unrealistic vision for New Zealand, lacking practical implementation strategies and based on flawed economic assumptions.

[…]

Treasury returns to economic rigour

17/04/2025

Treasury Secretary Iain Rennie’s speech emphasised sustainable government finances, advocating for debt management, rigorous analysis and targeted crisis responses to ensure New Zealand’s economic resilience.

[…]

the beehive building in wellington new zealand

NZ budget faces its biggest test since the 1980s

06/05/2024

New Zealand’s Finance Minister, Nicola Willis, faces economic challenges including a budget deficit, high inflation, and mounting debt. Reforms are needed for fiscal stability and productivity growth.

[…]

Christopher Luxon’s challenge for NZ economy: fiscal discipline or tax cuts

26/03/2024

George H. W. Bush’s broken tax pledge serves as a warning for New Zealand Prime Minister Luxon, facing economic challenges and tax promises. Learning from history is key for responsible leadership.

[…]

Navigating the fiscal hole

22/03/2024

The debate on New Zealand’s public finances intensifies, focusing on long-term fiscal sustainability and concerns over proposed higher government debt levels. Prudent decisions are crucial.

[…]

Christopher Luxon has his work cut out to fix NZ’s fiscal hole

13/03/2024

New Zealand’s public finances are in disarray with high government spending, increased debt, and deficits. The new government faces the challenge of fiscal consolidation and needs bold action for budget repair.

[…]

Fool me once: NZ Labour’s budget deja vu

27/09/2023

New Zealand’s Labour Government proposes optimistic financial forecasts amidst rising spending and welfare, reminiscent of unfulfilled promises historically. Challenging fiscal cleanup awaits the next administration.

[…]

The Deficit Diaries: Six years of red

26/09/2023

The New Zealand Initiative’s report criticizes the Sixth Labour-led Government’s fiscal performance, highlighting poor outcomes of government spending and the need for better policies.

[…]