New Zealand Economic Snapshot
Economic Forecast Summary (December 2021)
Economic growth should reach 4.7% in 2021, reflecting the bounce-back from the disruption caused by the pandemic, but will slow to 3.9% in 2022 and 2.5% in 2023 as macroeconomic policies tighten and capacity constraints are alleviated only gradually after the border begins to re-open in early 2022. Inflationary pressure will remain strong, as the economy continues to run above capacity and the labour market remains very tight, boosting wages. Growth may slow more markedly if vaccination delays among some population groups were to push back border re-opening.
Reform Priorities (April 2021)
Going for Growth 2021 - New Zealand
The economy recovered strongly, supported by large policy stimulus and an effective response to COVID-19, but some sectors hardest hit by border restrictions, notably tourism, lag behind. The pandemic highlighted a number of structural challenges. A key priority is to address the deteriorating access to affordable housing, which weakens financial resilience, hampers labour mobility and reduces inclusiveness.
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2021 Structural Reform Priorities
- Housing: Increase supply and quality of affordable housing
- Innovation: Promote innovation in tandem with export and foreign direct investment
- Labour market: Introduce a short-time work scheme and enhance support for unemployed jobseekers
- Education: Improve outcomes for students from vulnerable socio-economic backgrounds
- Child poverty: Monitor the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on income and material hardship and step up support if needed