New Zealand: economy

What is New Zealand's GDP growth rate?

New Zealand's GDP rose 0.2% in the June 2026 quarter, after a 0.9% rise in the March quarter, according to Stats NZ, released on 17 September 2026. GDP rose 1.7% over the year ended June 2026 compared with the year ended June 2025.

The quarterly figures are seasonally adjusted and in chain-volume terms, which remove price changes. Expenditure on GDP, an alternative measure, rose 0.4% in the quarter. The September quarter GDP figures are due on 17 December 2026.

Official sources: Stats NZ: Gross domestic product, June 2026 quarter

Is GDP per person growing in New Zealand?

New Zealand's GDP per capita rose 0.1% in the June 2026 quarter, while total GDP rose 0.2%, according to Stats NZ. Real gross national disposable income fell 0.4% in the quarter.

GDP per capita grows more slowly than total GDP when the population is growing, so it gives a better sense of output per person. Real gross national disposable income adjusts for changes in the prices of exports and imports and for income paid to and received from overseas, so it can move differently from GDP.

Official sources: Stats NZ: Gross domestic product, June 2026 quarter

Is New Zealand in a recession?

New Zealand's GDP has grown in each of the five quarters to June 2026, according to Stats NZ. The economy shrank 0.5% in the June 2024 quarter and 1.2% in the September 2024 quarter, two consecutive falls that met the common definition of a technical recession, and fell again by 0.6% in the June 2025 quarter.

Since then quarterly growth has been 0.9% (September 2025), 0.5% (December 2025), 0.9% (March 2026) and 0.2% (June 2026). Annual growth was 1.7% in the year to June 2026, after -1.1% in the year to June 2025. Quarterly figures are revised as more data arrive.

Official sources: Stats NZ: Gross domestic product, June 2026 quarter

What is New Zealand's current account deficit?

New Zealand's current account deficit was $14.6 billion, or 3.2% of GDP, in the year ended June 2026, narrower than $15.8 billion (3.6% of GDP) a year earlier, according to Stats NZ. The seasonally adjusted deficit for the June 2026 quarter was $3.8 billion.

The current account covers trade in goods and services and income flows with the rest of the world. New Zealand's deficit is driven mainly by primary income, such as profits and interest paid to overseas investors, which was a $2.3 billion deficit in the quarter. New Zealand's net international liability position was $178.3 billion at 30 June 2026.

Official sources: Stats NZ: Balance of payments, June 2026 quarter

Does New Zealand have a trade deficit?

New Zealand had a goods trade deficit of $1.3 billion in August 2026, according to Stats NZ, released on 18 September 2026. Goods exports rose $888 million (15%) from August 2025 to $6.7 billion, and goods imports rose $924 million (13%) to $8.0 billion.

These figures cover goods only; services such as tourism and education are in the balance of payments, where services moved to a small surplus in the June 2026 quarter. Monthly balances vary, and annual totals give a steadier picture.

Official sources: Stats NZ: Overseas merchandise trade, August 2026 · Stats NZ: Balance of payments, June 2026 quarter

How fast is New Zealand's economy growing?

In 2025, real GDP growth in New Zealand was 0.5%, according to the World Bank. The peak was 4.3% in 2021 and the low -1.0% in 2008. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 3.6%, and New Zealand placed 28th highest of 29. World rank, highest first: 167th of 180.

How rich is New Zealand per person?

The latest figure from the World Bank, for 2025, is $49,591. The peak was $49,902 in 2021 and the low $26,655 in 2006. It is 3rd highest of 29 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is $6,547. Of 180 countries with 2025 data, 21st highest.

How does New Zealand's income per person compare after prices?

In 2025, GDP per person at purchasing power parity in New Zealand was $57,350 in international dollars, according to the World Bank. That is the highest since at least 2005. East Asia & Pacific median: $14,200 in international dollars; New Zealand is 5th highest of 29. Worldwide: 33rd of 179.

How much does New Zealand export?

24.7% of GDP: that is exports of goods and services in New Zealand for 2024, according to the World Bank. Since 2005 it has ranged from 21.7% of GDP (2020) to 32.0% of GDP (2008). It is 17th highest of 25 in East Asia & Pacific, where the median is 32.7% of GDP. Worldwide: 113th of 162.

Does New Zealand have a current account surplus or deficit?

The latest figure from the IMF, for 2025, is -3.5% of GDP, which is a deficit. The peak was -1.1% of GDP in 2020 and the low -8.8% of GDP in 2022. East Asia & Pacific median: 1.6% of GDP; New Zealand is 14th highest of 19. Of 132 countries with 2025 data, 90th highest.

How much foreign direct investment goes into New Zealand?

1.3% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in New Zealand for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from -0.0% of GDP (2009) to 3.9% of GDP (2022). Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 1.9% of GDP, and New Zealand placed 18th highest of 28. World rank, highest first: 118th of 179.

What interest rate do banks charge in New Zealand?

According to the IMF, the average bank lending rate in New Zealand was 0.0% in 2025. That is the lowest since at least 2005. Across East Asia & Pacific the middle value was 6.5%, and New Zealand placed 10th highest of 10. Of 73 countries with 2025 data, 73rd highest.