And as 2026 gets underway in this New Zealand election year, the economy is likely to be an important factor in determining the outcome. We saw some notable economic data this week, some of which suggested signs of life in the economy. At the same time, a political poll, very early in election year, suggested a tight election outcome is on the cards. Secondly, will stronger/improving economic data flow through to voters actually feeling and believing things are getting better? “The success of manufacturing is central to the health of the New Zealand economy.

Source: Stuff January 18, 2026 07:00 UTC