Economy
Nightshift cleaner welcomes potential government support against surging petrol prices
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said targeted, temporary support could be available for some, and gave the example of a cleaner needing to drive to work outside of public transport hours.
NZ's Free Trade Hustle
As New Zealand closes in on its first trade deal with India, we look back at the agreements that shaped the country: from Britain’s betrayal in the 1970s to closer economic relations with Australia… Video, Audio
Construction industry feeling the pinch of petrol prices
The government says there's no need to stress about fuel, but at the petrol pump, the situation is the complete opposite. Businesses are also feeling the pinch. The construction industry has been… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 March 2026
Grocery prices are set to rise, we speak to the industry watchdog; What these price increases mean for Kiwis struggling financially; Will Chris Hipkins political credibility be damaged by a recent… Audio
Do we really need a data centre in Southland?
A $3 billion data centre in Southland is being touted a game changer - delivering the most significant upgrade to New Zealand's digital infrastructure in a generation. Datagrid has received resource… Audio
Saving Money when prices everywhere are going up
Food prices are up, petrol prices are up and bills, well for most of us, they're up too. It feels like this cost of living crisis isn't going anywhere fast, so we thought it would be a good chance to… Audio
More pain for supermarket shoppers once war impact kicks in
Shoppers will take another hit when the fallout from the Iran war hits the supermarket shelves, a Foodstuffs boss says. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Wednesday 18 March
Labour leader Chris Hipkins responds to claims made online by ex-wife; Weekly political panel with Nicola Willis and Carmel Sepuloni; Foodstuffs North Island boss responds to increase in food prices… Audio
Is Nicola Willis's 'worst-case' scenario not bad enough?
The finance minister said that in the event of a prolonged conflict in Iran, lasting until the end of the year, inflation could hit that level, as modelled by Treasury.
Foodstuffs boss responds to increase in food prices
Food prices have surged, with supermarket shoppers braced for even higher totals at the till. Prices are up 4.5%, with mince up 23%. The conflict in the Middle East has the potential to exacerbate… Audio
Effects of Middle East conflict felt by farmers
The flow-on effects from the conflict in Iran are being felt by farmers. Fuel prices are up, and the Middle East is also a major player in fertiliser trade, producing about 40 per cent of the world's… Audio
Global markets are struggling, but Kiwis are used to it
America's war in Iran has hit global markets, but after a tough five years for the New Zealand Stock Exchange, things here may finally be looking up.
The future of the NZX
America's war in Iran has hit global markets, but after a tough five years for the New Zealand Stock Exchange, things here may finally be looking up Audio
The Panel with Tim Batt and Jenni Giblin, Part 1
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Tim Batt and Jenni Giblin. First up, the Public Service Association is calling for a loosening of the government's in-office mandates as… Audio
NZ economy to face crunch point over next two weeks - economist
Treasury's worst case scenario of a 3.7 percent rise in inflation is still too optimistic, says a leading economist.
Economist warning fuel choke point could come in a fortnight
A leading economist is warning New Zealand to brace for two weeks time - which they say could be when the country experiences a real fuel choke point. Petrol has gone up about 50 cents per litre since… Audio
Investment in electric trucks paying off as fuel prices rise
The immediate economic shock of the Iran War of course is oil. Petrol has gone past $3, with some predicting it could get to $4. One company less likely to be feeling the pinch on this is Waste… Audio
Market Update for 17 March 2026
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team. Audio
Petrol at $4 is closer than you might think
Oil prices have already shot up dramatically and it's feasible they'll go even higher, economists say. Audio
Market Update for 17 March 2026
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team. Audio
