Category: financial_markets
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New Zealand's Budget 2026 Strengthens Tax System with Key Reforms
Budget 2026 introduces tax reforms to boost investment, simplify compliance, and strengthen New Zealand's tax system. Changes include in-year R&D payments, simplified FIF rules, and updated FBT for vehicles.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsEconomyFinancial MarketsBankingLegal Budget 2026Tax ReformSimon WattsResearch and DevelopmentForeign InvestmentComplianceNew Zealand Government
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FMA Report: Climate Disclosures Improving, Physical Risks Need Sharper Focus
New Zealand's FMA reports improving climate disclosures but urges entities to sharpen focus on physical risks and their financial impacts. The 2026 insights highlight progress in reporting structures and emissions, while calling for better data quality and clearer risk explanations.
BusinessScience & TechnologyPolitics and GovernmentEconomyEnvironmentFinancial MarketsLegal Financial Markets AuthorityClimate DisclosuresClimate Reporting EntitiesPhysical RisksGreenhouse Gas EmissionsFinancial ReportingNZ Financial Markets Authority
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New Zealand First Unveils Compulsory KiwiSaver at Birth and BNZ Buy-Back Plan
New Zealand First proposes compulsory KiwiSaver at birth with a $1000 Crown contribution and plans to buy back BNZ, merging it with Kiwibank to form a new "National Bank of New Zealand" to boost economic sovereignty.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessGeneral PoliticsEconomyBankingFinancial MarketsEmployment and LaborElection New Zealand FirstWinston PetersKiwiSaverBNZKiwibankNational Bank of New ZealandEconomic PolicyNZ First
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Air New Zealand Projects Significant FY26 Loss Amid Soaring Jet Fuel Costs
Air New Zealand forecasts a $340-$390 million FY26 loss, citing soaring jet fuel prices from Middle East conflict. The airline is implementing capacity cuts, fare increases, and cost savings while maintaining strong liquidity.
BusinessConflictEconomyFinancial MarketsTransportationMiddle EastEnergy Air New ZealandFY26 OutlookJet Fuel PricesAviationFinancial PerformanceCapacity ReductionsCost Savings
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FMA Issues Clearer Guidance for Sustainability-Related Financial Product Disclosures
The FMA has released updated guidance to clarify sustainability-related disclosures for financial products, helping investors make informed decisions that align with their environmental, social, or value-based objectives.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsLegalEnvironmentSocial Issues FMAsustainabilityfinancial productsdisclosureinvestorsguidanceNZ Financial Markets Authority
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KiwiSaver Providers Eyeing Increased Private Asset Investments, FMA Report Shows
New Zealand's KiwiSaver providers are planning to boost investments in private assets, seeking diversification and higher returns, according to a Financial Markets Authority (FMA) report.
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David Boyle Appointed New Retirement Commissioner
David Boyle, with extensive experience in retirement savings and financial education, has been appointed as New Zealand's new Retirement Commissioner for a three-year term.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessEconomyEmployment and LaborFinancial MarketsEducation Retirement CommissionerDavid BoyleCameron BrewerKiwiSaverFinancial EducationRetirement Savings
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Labour Welcomes Fuel Plan Clarity, Demands More Detail
The Labour Party has welcomed new details on the government's fuel plan but insists more information is needed on how New Zealanders will be supported during severe fuel shortages.
Politics and GovernmentEconomyNational PartyGeneral PoliticsEmployment and LaborFinancial Markets Labour PartyFuel PlanChris HipkinsFuel ShortageGovernmentCost of Living
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FMA Seeks Liquidation of More Chance Voight Entities Amidst Financial Concerns
The Financial Markets Authority is pursuing the liquidation of 25 additional entities linked to the Chance Voight Group due to management and financial obligation concerns.
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New Zealand Household Savings See Notable Increase in December Quarter
New Zealand's household savings rose to $1.1 billion in the December 2025 quarter, driven by increased income and decreased interest payments, according to experimental national accounts data.
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New Zealand Business Prices Show Mixed Movements in December Quarter
New Zealand's business price indexes reveal a 0.1% rise in output PPI, a 0.5% fall in input PPI, a 0.9% increase in farm expenses, and a 1.1% rise in capital goods prices for the December 2025 quarter.
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Media Monitor: Christchurch terrorist appeals conviction in NZ court
The convicted Christchurch terrorist is testifying in the New Zealand Court of Appeal as he seeks to vacate his guilty pleas over his 2019 attack on two mosques, ABC News reports.
Politics and GovernmentMediaWorldGeneral PoliticsEconomyFinancial MarketsFilm and TVLaw Enforcement Christchurch terroristCourt of Appealappealconvictionguilty pleasmosque attackABC News
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New Zealand Inflation Rises to 3.1% in December 2025
Aotearoa New Zealand's annual inflation rate reached 3.1 percent in the 12 months to December 2025, exceeding the Reserve Bank's target band. This marks the highest rate since June 2024.
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New Zealand Household Saving Drops Sharply in September Quarter
New Zealand households saw a significant decrease in saving and net disposable income in the September 2025 quarter, with rising income tax and falling interest payments contributing to the trend.
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FMA Announces Board Appointments and Reappointments
Steven Bardy named Deputy Chairperson. Philip Doak and Alastair Hercus join the Board, Christopher Swasbrook reappointed. Prasanna Gai resigns after 2018 service.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessAustralasiaFinancial MarketsEconomyBanking Financial Markets AuthoritySteven BardyPhilip DoakAlastair HercusChristopher SwasbrookPrasanna GaiBoard AppointmentsNZ Financial Markets Authority
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FMA Warns Chance Voight Investors Amid Liquidation
The Financial Markets Authority advises Chance Voight investors to seek advice before providing further funds to Bernard Whimp or related entities, as the High Court considers liquidation.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentLegalFinancial MarketsEconomyLaw Enforcement Financial Markets AuthorityChance VoightBernard WhimpLiquidationInvestmentRangioraNZ Financial Markets Authority
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New Zealand's GDP Rises 1.1% in September 2025 Quarter
New Zealand's GDP saw a 1.1% increase in the September 2025 quarter, a broad-based recovery after a 1.0% decrease in the previous quarter, although it fell 0.5% over the year.
BusinessEconomyTradeFinancial MarketsAustralasia GDPStats NZeconomic growthSeptember 2025 quarterJason AttewellBusiness/FinanceStatistics NZ
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New Zealand's Current Account Deficit Widens to $3.8 Billion
New Zealand's current account deficit increased by $153 million to $3.8 billion in the September 2025 quarter, driven by a wider primary income deficit and goods balance, Stats NZ reports.
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FMA Investigates Chance Voight Investment Corporation
The Financial Markets Authority is investigating Chance Voight Investment Corporation and related entities. Interim liquidators have been appointed for six Chance Voight entities. A subsidiary acquired Patterson Wealth Partners Limited in November.
BusinessLegalFinancial MarketsBanking Financial Markets AuthorityChance Voight Investment CorporationChristchurchMalcolm HollisJohn FiskLara BennettPwC New ZealandNZ Financial Markets Authority
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New Zealand Retail Spending Rises in November 2025
Electronic card transactions in New Zealand show a rise in retail spending for November 2025, with core retail industries also experiencing growth.
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FMA Censure Opes Group for Licence Breaches
The Financial Markets Authority has censured Opes Group Holding Company Limited for failing to comply with its Financial Advice Provider licence obligations, citing poor record keeping and conflict management.
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FMA Releases Kaupapa Māori Research to Address Data Gaps
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has released two Kaupapa Māori research papers to better understand the experiences of Māori consumers and providers in New Zealand’s financial markets, revealing a need for products that incorporate Māori values.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentAustralasiaEconomyFinancial MarketsSocial IssuesState Governments
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Tower Faces $7 Million Penalty for Misleading Customers
Tower has been ordered to pay a $7 million penalty for misleading representations, leading to over $11 million in overcharges to customers. The FMA brought civil proceedings after Tower self-reported the issue.
BusinessLegalAustralasiaFinancial MarketsLaw Enforcement TowerFinancial Markets AuthorityFMAFinancial Markets Conduct ActFMC ActAucklandCivil ProceedingsNZ Financial Markets Authority
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FMA Releases Thematic Review on Financial Institutions' Product and Service Reviews
The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) has released a thematic review. The review focuses on financial institutions proactively reviewing products and services to identify consumer harms and promote improvements.
BusinessFinancial MarketsBankingEconomyLegal Financial Markets AuthorityFMAClare Bolingfordfinancial institutionsproduct reviewsservice reviewsLicensing and Conduct SupervisionNZ Financial Markets Authority
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EU Approves Continued Use of New Zealand Financial Benchmarks
The European Commission has recognized New Zealand's financial benchmark regulations as equivalent to the EU's, ensuring the NZ Bank Bill Rate benchmark can still be used in the EU from 2026.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEuropeFinancial MarketsTradeEconomyBankingLegal European CommissionFinancial Markets AuthorityNZ Bank Bill RateBKBMFinancial BenchmarkFinancial RegulationNZ Financial Markets Authority
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FMA Cancels Hope Group Limited's Financial Advice Provider Licence
The Financial Markets Authority has cancelled Hope Group Limited's financial advice provider licence after identifying serious conduct issues and material breaches of obligations.
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Media Monitor: RNZ Reports Flight Cancellations, Banking Updates, and Sports Wins
RNZ reports that airline passengers in New Zealand face potential flight cancellations due to grounded Airbus A320 jets, while the Banking Association addresses scam prevention.
TransportationMusicBusinessSportWeatherFinancial Markets RNZFlight CancellationsAirbus A320Banking AssociationScam PreventionAll Blacks SevensWaiwera Thermal SpringsRNZ News
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New Zealand Government Net Operating Deficit Reaches $5.3 Billion
New Zealand's general government net operating deficit hits $5.3 billion in June 2025, driven by rising expenses in social benefits and interest, alongside increased net debt.
Politics and GovernmentBusinessAustralasiaEconomyFinancial MarketsTradeGovernment
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New Zealand's Net Worth Increases 4.2 Percent in 2024
New Zealand's net worth rose by 4.2% in the year ending March 2024, with household net worth increasing by 3.8%. Registered bank lending saw a 3.0% rise.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsBankingTradeAustralasia
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Stats NZ Details GDP Calculation Changes for September 2025 Quarter
Stats NZ will release a methods paper on improvements to gross domestic product for the September 2025 quarter. The paper will provide early insights into the impact of balanced annual national accounts.
BusinessPolitics and GovernmentEconomyFinancial MarketsTradeFederal GovernmentAustralasia