Summarised by Centrist
In an interview, New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis firmly rejected the idea of fuel subsidies, stating, “We don’t believe in short-term fixes that distort the market.
“Subsidising fuel might feel good today, but it undermines the long-term resilience of our economy,” she said.
Willis noted the dangers of protectionism, particularly in light of recent global tariff escalations. “Tariffs are a tax on consumers,” she said. “They raise prices, reduce choice, and ultimately make economies less competitive. New Zealand thrives when trade flows freely. We’re a small, open economy, and we depend on access to global markets.”
She also addressed investor sentiment, noting a surge in international interest: “We’re seeing strong signals from foreign investors who view New Zealand as a stable, rules-based economy. That’s a direct result of our commitment to sound economic management.”
On fiscal policy, Willis was resolute: “We’re not going to spend our way out of volatility. Our plan is to return to surplus by 2027/28. That means careful prioritisation, not knee-jerk stimulus.”
“This is a time to back our exporters, invest in infrastructure,” she said.
Willis concluded: “We can’t control what happens in Washington or Beijing, but we can control how we respond. New Zealand must remain open, agile, and focused on long-term prosperity.”
