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Here’s what you may have missed this week. Please share it around.
- Half of Labour’s $60b COVID spend not spent on pandemic
The Royal Commission of Inquiry into COVID has confirmed that Labour’s COVID restrictions, while initially balanced, went too far and economic warnings were not heeded. The spending that followed drove up house prices and the cost of living for New Zealanders. Of the $60 billion spent, around half was unrelated to the pandemic.
- Iran - what the conflict means for you
The conflict in the Middle East is concerning for many New Zealanders. We are already seeing the price of petrol increase, but the long-term price implications for us will depend on how long it lasts.
Cabinet has stood up a Ministerial group to closely monitor the economic impacts. New Zealand is well placed to ride the wave of this latest shock because we have spent more than two years focused on the basics, spending carefully and getting inflation under control, as Finance Minister Nicola Willis explains: Instagram Video
- Truckometer shows economy is picking up speed
ANZ’s latest Truckometer shows the strongest growth in three years for light traffic, which is a strong indication of momentum in the economy. Light traffic, such as couriers, cars and vans, reflects higher discretionary spending on outings and more movement from couriers and vans. The data bodes well for increased economic activity in the coming months.
- Aussie, Aussie, Aussie - tourist numbers surge
New Zealand’s tourism sector continued its outstanding growth path this week with Stats NZ’s international travel survey showing 15 thousand more visitors arriving in January 2026 compared to a year ago. Aussies led the way (up 10,700), followed by the UK (up 3,700).
- Removing barriers to competition in supermarkets
Digital labels on foods are another step towards removing barriers to consumer choice and competition. Food retailers have told us labelling products can be a costly barrier to entry or expansion into the New Zealand market. The government has given the go ahead to a trial, which provides an opportunity to test innovative digital labelling technologies and allows more flexibility to potential new entrants
Chris Bishop
National Campaign Chair