As at February 2025 Using new ideas, knowledge and technology to develop better ways of doing things helps the New Zealand economy grow. Having more businesses investing in technologies and innovation will create higher-paying jobs for New Zealanders and diversify the economy into new industries and markets.
Global trade and investment are essential for New Zealand to maximise its potential and for New Zealanders to enjoy higher incomes and better public services. New Zealand’s economy is export-oriented, with the food and fibre sectors and tourism significantly contributing to foreign currency earnings.
New Zealand has a flexible labour market, high rates of employment, relatively open borders and, historically, a well-performing education system. However, the country faces significant challenges: school achievement and attendance are dropping in comparison with countries New Zealand competes with, and we face challenges in attracting, training and retaining talent.
Well-planned infrastructure supports the efficient and sustainable movement of people, goods, and information, and facilitates trade and investment while also improving living standards. It is an essential ingredient to enable and drive economic growth. According to the International Monetary Fund, closing New Zealand’s infrastructure gap could increase real GDP by as much as 0.8 per cent in the long term.
Cabinet paper noting the report on travel to Singapore 8-12 June 2025.
pdf, 265 KB
Members of a new Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council have been appointed. This council will provide advice on long-term priorities for government-funded science and innovation in New Zealand
Our proposal is to require EV chargers supplied in New Zealand to be ‘smart’
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