How strong is New Zealand economy?
William Rodriguez
Published Jan 23, 2026
The economy of New Zealand is a highly developed free-market economy. It is the 52nd-largest national economy in the world when measured by nominal gross domestic product (GDP) and the 63rd-largest in the world when measured by purchasing power parity (PPP).
Is New Zealand's economy good?
New Zealand's economic freedom score is 80.6, making its economy the 4th freest in the 2022 Index. New Zealand is ranked 2nd among 39 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is above the regional and world averages.
Is New Zealand a rich or poor country?
In New Zealand, total wealth rose 4.2 percent and wealth per adult increased 3.1 percent. "New Zealand is the world's fifth richest country as measured per adult wealth," said Credit Suisse's chief investment officer for Asia-Pacific John Woods. "Only Switzerland, Hong Kong, US and Australia rank higher."
What is the current economic situation in New Zealand?
New Zealand Economic Growth
However, global supply constraints and high energy prices pose downside risks. FocusEconomics panelists project the economy to grow 2.9% in 2022, which is down 0.2 percentage points from last month's estimate, and 2.8% in 2023.
What is the biggest economic problem in New Zealand?
New Zealand's economy has faced a number of long-term challenges in recent decades, including low productivity and wages, skills shortages, shallow domestic capital markets, a lack of diversification and under-investment in infrastructure.
31 related questions foundIs there poverty in New Zealand?
Approximately 305,000 children in New Zealand live in poverty. This means over a quarter of children living within the country are underprivileged. Additionally, 14 percent of these children cannot afford basic food, housing or clothing.
How many recessions has NZ had?
We selected six previous recessionary periods in New Zealand, beginning with the Depression in the early 1930s. Our decision to examine the Depression was motivated by recent comments that the current stresses on international financial markets are as severe as those in the 1930s.
How does New Zealand make money?
Trade. Agricultural products—principally meat, dairy products, and fruits and vegetables—are New Zealand's major exports; crude oil and wood and paper products are also significant. The major imports are crude and refined oil, machinery, and vehicles.
What is NZ unemployment rate?
Stats NZ figures show the unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent in the December quarter from 3.3 percent in the September quarter, down 5,000 to 93,000 classed out of work. That is 34 percent below where it was a year ago. New Zealand's unemployment rate is the fifth-equal lowest in the OECD.
Why is New Zealand population so low?
As a nation that depends largely on international migration as a means of population growth, the inability for any international migration as a result of COVID-19 restrictions, has dramatically reduced population growth around most of New Zealand.
Are there any slums in New Zealand?
Auckland's central city is home to some of the region's poorest people, living in tiny overcrowded apartments which are threatening to turn some areas into slums.
Where does NZ rank in the world?
New Zealand was the highest-ranking country in the Asia-Pacific region of the Legatum Institute's 2021 Prosperity Index. New Zealand is the eighth-most prosperous country in the world, a global prosperity index shows.
Who does New Zealand borrow money from?
At the end of September 2020, about 50 per cent of NZGBs were held by non-residents (i.e. offshore investors) while the remaining 50 per cent were held by residents. Holders of these bonds include asset managers, banks, hedge funds, insurance companies and central banks.
Is New Zealand government stable?
New Zealand
New Zealand ranks No. 8 for perceived political stability, along with high rankings for social purpose and attributes tied to the environment and racial equity, with a No. 7 ranking overall.
Is New Zealand a successful country?
New Zealand has been highlighted as the world's most prosperous country outside of Europe in the annual Legatum Prosperity Index.
What is the biggest industry in NZ?
Agriculture is New Zealand's biggest industry. Overall, it generates 70% of NZ's merchandise export earnings and 12% gross domestic product.
What is NZ biggest export?
Exports The top exports of New Zealand are Concentrated Milk ($5.92B), Sheep and Goat Meat ($2.57B), Frozen Bovine Meat ($2.1B), Rough Wood ($2.05B), and Butter ($1.89B), exporting mostly to China ($10.9B), Australia ($5.17B), United States ($4.35B), Japan ($2.34B), and South Korea ($1.12B).
Did New Zealand have a great depression?
The 1930s Depression caused mass unemployment in New Zealand and changed the socio-political landscape. Job and wage cuts left people desperate, and families and charities struggled to cope. In 1932, the unemployed rioted, demanding better government help.
How did GFC affect NZ?
New Zealand's economy was seriously impacted as a result of the GFC, with unemployment jumping from 3.6% at the end of 2007 to 6.1% by the end of 2010, with rates remaining close to 6% through to 2013. The effects for younger adults were worse.
How did New Zealand's economy change with deregulation in the 1980s?
The financial market was deregulated and controls on foreign exchange were removed. The removal of tariff protection exposed local producers to greater competition from imports which resulted in the loss of thousands of manufacturing jobs.
What are the disadvantages of living in New Zealand?
Everything is expensive, lack of job/career opportunities, far from everywhere. Houses are too expensive, renting an apartment almost take all your salary. As much as we would like to see NZ expanding its population, there's a lack of job opportunities for locals and new migrants which is the main drawback.
Why are New Zealand's waters so polluted?
An increase in population is linked to an increase in water pollution, due to a range of causes such as rural land use, industrial use and urban development. Fresh water quality is under pressure from agriculture, hydropower, urban development, pest invasions and climate change.
What is considered poor in New Zealand?
In the 21st century concern has been growing that an increasing number of New Zealanders, especially children, have been pushed into poverty where poverty is defined in income terms as households living at below 60% of the national median income.
What is New Zealands debt to GDP?
Net debt will be higher at 37.6% of GDP in 2021/22 compared to 34.0% forecasted in May. The net debt peaks at 40.1% by 2022/23 before falling to 30.2% by the end of the forecast period.