Economy
Will petrol still hit $5 a litre – or did we dodge a bullet?
The Economy of Everything podcast examines why the fuel apocalypse hasn't happened yet.
Latest from Budget
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
David Seymour, Nicola Willis explain decision to cut Budget operating spending
The reduced spending was announced by the Prime Minister. Video / Mark Mitchell
Westpac forecasts reveal fresh outlook for NZ amid focus on Australian Budget | Herald NOW Business
Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold discusses the latest economic data and what the Australian Budget means. Video / Herald NOW Business
Tradie turns sleepless nights into AI tool to tame job budgets
Gene Gibson talks to Tom Raynel about his construction budgeting app, Formal Tradie.
Majority of small businesses say Government is not addressing key issues
Small business owners and leaders have shared mixed reviews of the coalition Government.
Matthew Hooton: Coalition enters crucial month for survival
OPINION: Tensions between NZ First and National risk a snap election.
Cost of Govt diesel deal to stay secret until it’s paid
But Nicola Willis says the Budget was tweaked to pay for the extra fuel.
How Iran’s war and oil shock could hit inflation, interest rates and jobs
Treasury scenarios show inflation rising to 3.9% and growth slowing to 2%.
NZ Herald Headlines | Thursday April 23, 2026
Afternoon Headlines | Labour agrees to back India free trade deal and economist warns Government Budget won't look great | Thursday April 23, 2026
Watch: Finance Minister says economic recovery is 'delayed but not derailed'
Willis’ update comes just over a month before the Budget.
Roger Partridge: The hidden reason houses cost too much
OPINION: Local Government New Zealand says 50% GST-sharing in 2024 would net $1.3b.
Cold case: Faulty courthouse air conditioning halts trial
Lawyers say it's another issue to add to the list for the leaky, delay-prone courthouse.
Matthew Hooton: Tax hikes, deep cuts or both - the ugly choices politicians keep dodging
OPINION: No political party has any serious plan to prevent ongoing debt explosion.
Customs fighting 'such a big enemy': Exponential rise in drugs intercepted at the border
More than 12 tonnes of cocaine were intercepted in the Pacific in early 2026.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown to axe ratepayer-funded lunches at council meetings
Lunches for governing body meetings rose as high as $18,439 in FY2023.
Fran O'Sullivan: Willis faces Budget test as Iran crisis upends economic forecasts
OPINION: Forecasts are being reworked so they can be updated closer to Budget Day.
ACC stops cost bleed, avoids Govt narrowing its remit
The state injury insurer assures that claimants will continue to be supported.
'We just want to help': Couple’s $30 dinners gain an online following
Jodie and David Turner share affordable family dinners on TikTok and Facebook.
Nicola Willis keeps secret documents on if banks paying fair share of tax ahead of Budget
The Finance Minister wouldn't rule out a new tax.
Opinion: Chris Hipkins and Nicola Willis go to war over who broke the economy
As Parliament returned, Hipkins and Willis clashed.
The Country: Christopher Luxon on Judith Collins retiring
Christopher Luxon, Stephen Jacobi, Robyn Dynes, and Paul Allison share their thoughts.
Nicola Willis sets Budget 2026 date
Finance Minister Nicola Willis' statement to the Finance and Expenditure Committee on the Budget 2026 date. Video / Mark Mitchell
Nicola Willis sets Budget Day date, promises tight rein on spending
The Finance Minister insists there will be no 'splashing of cash' beyond core services.
Tough medicine: Nicola Willis eyes scalpel for health spending in 2026 Budget
The Finance Minister also explains her thinking on fossil fuel imports and asset sales.
Japan's Prime Minister to dissolve parliament for snap election
Sanae Takaichi is Japan's first woman PM, appointed in October.
Treasury boss on bolstering the books in absence of high house prices and immigration
Iain Rennie on where growth is coming from, and what he believes needs to change.
Heather du Plessis-Allan: My word of the year, deja vu
OPINION: Critics say the public service is still 14,000 roles larger than under John Key.
Willis seeks further savings from the public sector as debt grows
Nicola Willis has asked all ministers to find further savings in their agencies.
Nicola Willis reveals plan to get budget surplus back on track
Finance Minister Nicola Willis reveals the governments plan to reach budget surplus.
Editorial: Who's watching the watchdog? Cloud over FMA chair undermines trust
OPINION: The investigation comes at the worst time for the FMA.