New Zealand enjoys GDP bump of 0.8 per cent in QI
In good news for leader Christopher Luxon, New Zealand has had its best GDP result in two years. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAP
New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year.
However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was this time last year, such was the damage from a 2024 recession.
On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank of an 0.4 per cent uptick.
"Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said.
The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent.
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ABC News
a day ago
- ABC News
New Zealand halts Cook Islands funding in stoush over China
New Zealand has paused nearly $20m in budget funding to the Cook Islands, after its government signed partnership agreements with China earlier this year without consulting New Zealand. Foreign Affairs minister Winston Peters informed the Cook Islands government of the decision in early June. However, it only became public on Thursday (June 19) after media reports in the Cook Islands. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is currently in China on his first official visit, and is due to meet with President Xi Jinping shortly. The Cook Islands operates in free association with New Zealand. It governs its own affairs, but New Zealand provides assistance with foreign affairs (upon request), disaster relief, and defence. The 2001 Joint Centenary Declaration signed between the two nations requires them to consult each other on defence and security, which Mr Peters said had not been lived up to. In February, Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a "comprehensive strategic partnership" with China, said he had not consulted with New Zealand over the deals or ensured shared interests were not put at risk. New Zealand reviewed its development program in the Cook Islands as a result, and in early June informed Mr Brown the funding would be paused. Over the past three years, New Zealand has provided nearly $200 million to the Cook Islands through the development program, which Mr Peters said relied on a "high-trust relationship". The amount on pause is $18.2m in development assistance for the 2025/26 financial year. Speaking to reporters on Thursday morning, Mr Peters said the Cook Islands had failed to give satisfactory answers to New Zealand's questions about its agreement with China, and so the decision to pause the funding was made. "We have made it very clear in our response to statements that were being made … what New Zealand's position is, on behalf of the Cook Islands people who we have responsibilities to, and above all to the New Zealand taxpayers to whom we are answerable," he said. Officials would be working through what the Cook Islands had to do so New Zealand was satisfied the funding could resume. "When we made this decision, we said to them our senior officials need to work on clearing up this misunderstanding and confusion about our arrangements and about our relationship," Mr Peters said. Mark Brown speaks at the opening of the annual Pacific Islands Forum leaders meeting in Nuku'alofa, Tonga last year. ( AP Photo: Charlotte Graham-McLay ) 'Not connected with China' — Peters Asked about the timing of Mr Luxon's visit to China, and what he thought the response from China might be, Mr Peters said the decision to pause the funding was not connected to China. "It's connected with our special relationship with the Cook Islands, like we have with Niue, like we have in a different setting with Tokelau islands. These things go back decades and decades and decades." He said he had raised the matter with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, when he last visited China in February, and said Mr Wang understood New Zealand's relationship with the Cook Islands. Mr Peters earlier this year said there was an expectation the Cook Islands government would not pursue policies that are "significantly at variance with New Zealand's interests" and has a responsibility to "fully and meaningfully" consult New Zealand on all major international actions. Cook Islanders also hold New Zealand passports entitling them to live and work in the country. The Cook Island's government floated the idea of its citizens having their own passports. However, that was dropped after New Zealand warned it would threaten the two countries' constitutional ties. 'Deeply concerned' — Cook Islands opposition Cook Islands opposition leader Tina Browne was "deeply concerned" about New Zealand pausing funding to the Pacific nation, and wants answers from her own Prime Minister. Ms Browne said she was informed of the funding pause on Wednesday night by local media, and was worried about the indication from Mr Peters that it might affect future funding. She has requested full copies of the agreements with China to probe what the issues might be and what impact they might have on funding to the Cook Islands. "The Prime Minister's been leading the country to think everything with New Zealand is being repaired, hunky-dory etc, trust is still there. Wham bam, we get this in the Cook Island News this morning, what does that tell you?" she said. "The indication from the spokesperson of the foreign affairs minister in New Zealand is that depending on how we move forward, it may affect future funding as well. "Am I concerned? Deeply concerned, what is next?" Loss of NZ funding 'surprising' for Cook Islanders Cook Islands News editor Rashkeel Kumar, who broke the story, told Midday Report the committee tasked to scrutinise their government's budget briefly mentioned concern with the declining funding from New Zealand which made up "quite a core of the budget", which sparked him to look into it further. He said the funding from New Zealand usually goes towards supporting the Cook Island's public sector for areas such as health, education and tourism. "It was surprising for a lot of people because this was something that hasn't come to the public attention," Mr Kumar said. While news outlets have not heard from the Cook Island government yet, a ministerial statement on the funding pause is expected in Parliament on Friday, he said.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
New Zealand enjoys GDP bump of 0.8 per cent in Q1
New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was a year ago, such was the damage from a 2024 recession, with warnings of dire times and tough choices ahead. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank (RBNZ)of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. Acting prime minister David Seymour called the result "a tribute to New Zealanders" and Finance Minister Nicola Willis described it as "great news". "Hard working people have knuckled down through a very challenging period and today's figure summarises that," Mr Seymour said. While politicians were pleased at the result, there's little doubt New Zealand is in a tough spot economically. Two particularly troubled industries - mining and construction - posted growth of 1.0 and 0.5 per cent in the quarter, but are down 11.2 and 9.3 per cent over the last year. BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said more recent data on services (two-thirds of the Kiwi economy) and manufacturing looked "nothing short of disastrous". "There are clear warnings that the New Zealand economy has hit a brick wall in Q2 and this is despite the substantial revenue growth flowing from the agricultural sector," he wrote. "Many businesses noted reduced demand and falling revenues due to rising costs, economic uncertainty and low consumer confidence." Mr Steel said it made a clear argument for further stimulus from the country's central bank, which has already eased the official cash rate from 5.5 per cent last August to the current position of 3.25 per cent. However, other banks point to the above-expectations headline GDP data as a reason to hold fire at the bank's meeting next month. "We think the RBNZ will pause in July. Beyond that, it's a tightrope walk of what seems to be stagflationary risks. We do not envy the hand our friends (at the RBNZ) have been dealt," ASB Chief Economist Nick Tuffley said. Council of Trade Unions chief economist Craig Rennie said the GDP figures showed the government's failure to spark the economy. The right-leaning coalition, led by Chris Luxon, took office in November 2023 and has reined in public spending at a time when many, including the CTU, argued for a fiscal boost. "The economy is still smaller than at the election in real terms. With more recent data suggesting that the economy is struggling to grow, there is a real danger that we return to slow, no, or negative growth," Mr Rennie said. "There are 23,000 more people on Jobseekers (benefit) this year. 48 per cent of workers in New Zealand got a pay cut in real terms. Business and consumer confidence are at levels associated with recessions. "One quarter of data shouldn't blind the government of the need for change." New Zealand's Q1 bump is healthy compared to Australia's 0.2 per cent increase in the same three months - though New Zealand's 1.1 per cent contraction over the last 12 months is well short of Australia's 1.3 per cent growth.
The Advertiser
a day ago
- The Advertiser
New Zealand enjoys GDP bump of 0.8 per cent in QI
New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was this time last year, such was the damage from a 2024 recession. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was this time last year, such was the damage from a 2024 recession. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was this time last year, such was the damage from a 2024 recession. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent. New Zealand's economy is rebounding towards better health, posting 0.8 per cent GDP growth in the first three months of the year. However, the Kiwi economy is still 1.1 per cent smaller than it was this time last year, such was the damage from a 2024 recession. On Thursday, Stats NZ revealed growth figures for Q1 2025, which improved on predictions from the Reserve Bank of an 0.4 per cent uptick. "Nine of the 16 industries increased, with the largest rises in business services and manufacturing," spokesperson Katrina Dewbery said. The quarterly jump is the best result in almost two years, with GDP per capita was also up in the March quarter, growing by 0.5 per cent.
