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Is New Zealand’s public expenditure keeping up with needs and funding capacity?

GDP in the December 2020 quarter declined by one percent compared to September 2020.

Kiwifruit exports have dramatically increased since 2010, leading now as the highest horticulture export.

New Zealand honey exports have surged in terms of value and volume over the last two years. This has been driven by Manuka honey exports to China and the US.

We look at the market for New Zealand apples. Export receipts are growing fast but there are clear labour constraints.

We all know that NZ performs well in primary sector exports. But it’s not just about meat and dairy. Horticulture exports have grown rapidly during the past five years.

Prior to the COVID-19 lockdown, all child poverty measures were trending down. But over 18 percent of children still live in poverty.

The Government’s rent controls appear to have worked in the middle of 2020, but rent levels bounced back as soon as the controls were lifted.

Almost four million international visitors came to New Zealand in both 2018 and 2019, but COVID-19 has caused the number to collapse to less than one million.

Inflation affects different household types differently. Official statistics show those who spend the most are the least negatively affected.

The 4.9 percent unemployment rate recorded in the December 2020 quarter unemployment rate was lower than expected and employment optimism is improving.

Higher demand for New Zealand Kiwifruit, honey and wine, help them buck the trend as annual merchandise export values decline through the last three quarters of 2020.

BERL will be publishing a series of articles on this website during February, dealing with how COVID-19 impacted many aspects of life in New Zealand.

GDP bounced back from its largest quarterly decline in June to record its largest increase in September. However, the effects of COVID could last longer than the virus.

How has the Treasury’ forecast of unemployment changed between September and December of 2020? And how does this compare with BERL and RBNZ?

A given sum in a Kiwisaver growth fund can grow to more than the same sum in a conservative fund. But the right provider can be as important as the right type of fund.

Latest Treasury forecasts show improving Government accounts expected. Stronger economic recovery pushes up expected tax take and jobless projections pushed down.

The Government’s better-than-expected financial situation provides the opportunity to address our pressing challenges in a more concerted – go hard, go fast – manner.

Foreign backpackers and campervanners are often looked down upon. They should be welcomed as future high value visitors and migrants.

Not all New Zealanders earn enough income to cover their everyday costs. Which groups do not have enough income? And what can be done to provide them with enough income?

New Zealand currently has free trade agreements in place with all the countries that are part of the RCEP.

Labour set to get at least one more seat after specials are counted, resulting in final standings in next Parliament: Labour 65, National 34, Greens 10, ACT 10, Māori 1.

Net migration hit a post COVID-19 border closure high of 1,130 in the month of August 2020.

By the end of 2020, the RBNZ intends to create an expanded Funding for Lending Programme to provide low-cost funding for banks to lend to households and businesses.

Unofficial datasets show that job numbers in New Zealand have been steady, despite COVID-19. However, there are some clouds on the horizon.

New Zealand has recorded its largest ever quarterly decline in GDP of 12.2 percent pushing us into a recession.

As the fallout from COVID-19 increases, stock markets have had their best six months ever. Why has this happened?

Unemployment low, stock market at all-time high, what happened to the recession?

The availability of alcohol decreased in the second quarter of 2020, reflecting the impact of the lockdown on the hospitality sector.

The RBNZ is preparing for a long haul. It would do well for all businesses, organisations, family, whānau, iwi, and communities to similarly prepare for such a long haul.