New Zealand Institute of Economic Research Stories

Kiwi Stories

New Zealand Institute of Economic Research stories

New Zealand backs low-cost digital tools for factories

New Zealand funds expansion of low-cost factory tech scheme to help 180 manufacturers boost productivity and compete with digital rivals.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 4 min read • Tue, 24th Feb 2026

Unified Communications

Auckland, Northland most at risk in NZ resilience index

Auckland and Northland top a new index of New Zealand's most fragile infrastructure, as experts urge maintenance-first spending on resilience.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Fri, 20th Feb 2026

Productivity

A cure for Kiwi culture of build now, fix later

Poor-quality building is costing New Zealand billions a year and could be behind about 5,000 missing homes annually.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 4th Feb 2026

Unified Communications

Chorus boosts NZ business fibre with new 1Gbps option, faster fixes

Chorus unveils a 1Gbps symmetrical fibre plan for NZ businesses, enhancing speeds and restoration times to boost digital productivity.

By Kaleah Salmon • 3 min read • Wed, 21st May 2025

Data Analytics

Digitalisation could boost NZ SME GDP by NZD $8.6 billion in 2025

New Zealand SMEs could boost GDP by NZD $8.6bn by 2025 through digitalisation, says report by Xero and NZ Institute of Economic Research.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Tue, 20th May 2025

Financial Systems

Kiwi consumers prefer digital payments, small businesses lag

New research by Xero reveals 75% of New Zealand consumers prefer physical bank cards for in-store payments, but only 17% of small businesses offer mobile payment options.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Tue, 20th Aug 2024

Agricultural Technology

Land-based industries resilient during NZ’s lockdown

Strong Asian demand kept dairy, meat and horticulture afloat, lifting New Zealand's land-based exports by nearly GBP £500 million year-to-date.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Tue, 8th Sep 2020

Supply Chain

Billion-dollar boost if Auckland roads decongested

Auckland businesses could gain GBP £1.3 billion a year if peak-time gridlock is eased, according to a new report warning of mounting costs.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Wed, 2nd Aug 2017

NZIER

Auckland developers hardest hit by cost inflation

Rising finance costs and subcontractor shortages are likely to delay some Auckland projects as construction inflation remains elevated.

By Staff Writer • 2 min read • Sun, 7th May 2017

Inflation

NZ business confidence slips in first quarter, consistent with moderating growth

New Zealand business confidence slipped in the first quarter, with firms remaining fairly optimistic, consistent with moderating economic growth.

By Pattrick Smellie • 2 min read • Tue, 14th Apr 2015

Commerce Commission

Airline lobby dismisses Wellington airport extension plans

New Zealand's airline lobby has opposed plans for the Wellington International Airport extension, saying the $350 million estimated cost may fall on t.

By Pattrick Smellie • 3 min read • Wed, 8th Apr 2015