This 2007 Article IV Consultation highlights that the economic downturn of New Zealand that commenced in 2005 has proved to be short lived. In early 2006, the economy appeared to be cooling quickly, with quarterly growth dropping to zero and confidence and demand indicators deteriorating. Some...

After several years of strong growth, the New Zealand economy entered a recession in early 2008. The 2009 Article IV Consultation highlights that the near-term outlook for New Zealand is weak. Executive Directors have noted that the significant fiscal stimulus under way will help cushion the...

This 2005 Article IV Consultation highlights that New Zealand’s GDP growth was particularly strong in 2004, at 4.8 percent, led by a surge in domestic demand. Private consumption grew by 6 percent, reflecting high employment growth, strong commodity prices, and household borrowing against...

This 2004 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic growth in New Zealand slowed in early 2003 but rebounded in the latter part of the year. Real GDP growth declined from 41⁄4 percent in 2002 to a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 23⁄4 percent in the first half of 2003, amid...

This 2001 Article IV Consultation highlights that since early 2001, domestic demand growth has recovered in New Zealand and contributed to sustain GDP growth in the wake of weaker net exports, owing to the economic slowdown in the rest of the world. The sharp rise in economic activity pushed the...

This 2003 Article IV Consultation highlights that despite significant slowdowns in activity in some major overseas markets, New Zealand has maintained a strong pace of economic growth over the past three years. The economy’s performance reflected its enhanced flexibility, stemming from the...

This 2006 Article IV Consultation highlights that following a vigorous expansion in recent years, a cyclical slowing in New Zealand’s economy commenced in 2005, with growth declining to 21⁄4 percent. Economic growth had averaged 41⁄4 percent annually in 2002–04, with domestic demand...

This 1999 Article IV Consultation highlights that economic performance of New Zealand improved during the 1990s. Inflation averaged about 2 percent, compared with nearly 10 percent in the 1980s, while economic growth also picked up. Despite these improvements, the current account deficit remains...

The resilience displayed by the New Zealand economy throughout the turbulence is a clear testimony of the benefits of the economic reforms. Executive Directors appreciated these developments, and cautioned against reforms that could reduce labor and product market flexibility, and suggested that...