New Zealand Economy

Is New Zealand a wealthy country?

Over the past 40 years, the government has transformed New Zealand from an agrarian economy, dependent on concessionary British market access, to a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, but left behind some at the bottom of the ladder and broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector.

Per capita income rose for 10 consecutive years until 2007 in purchasing power parity terms, but fell in 2008-09. Debt-driven consumer spending drove robust growth in the first half of the decade, fueling a large balance of payments deficit that posed a challenge for policymakers. Inflationary pressures caused the central bank to raise its key rate steadily from January 2004 until it was among the highest in the OECD in 2007 and 2008. The higher rate attracted international capital inflows, which strengthened the currency and housing market while aggravating the current account deficit. Rising house prices, especially in Auckland, have become a political issue in recent years, as well as a policy challenge in 2016 and 2017, as the ability to afford housing has declined for many.

Expanding New Zealand’s network of free trade agreements remains a top foreign policy priority. New Zealand was an early promoter of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and was the second country to ratify the agreement in May 2017. Following the United States’ withdrawal from the TPP in January 2017, on 10 November 2017 the remaining 11 countries agreed on the core elements of a modified agreement, which they renamed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In November 2016, New Zealand opened negotiations to upgrade its FTA with China; China is one of New Zealand’s most important trading partners.

New Zealand Economy Data

What is the GDP of New Zealand?

Currency Name and Code New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP) $215,600,000,000 (USD)
GDP - official exchange rate $170,600,000,000 (USD)
GDP - real growth rate 2.2%
GDP Per Capita $36,400.00 (USD)
GDP by Sector- agriculture 4.1%
GDP by Sector- Industry 26.8%
GDP by Sector- services 69%
GDP - composition, by end use household consumption: 56.1%

government consumption: 18.7%

investment in fixed capital: 22.8%

investment in inventories: 0.3%

exports of goods and services: 27.9%

imports of goods and services: -25.8%
Inflation Rate 2.6%
Labor Force 2,320,000
Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture 7%
Labor Force By Occupation- industry 19%
Labor Force By Occupation- services 74%
Unemployment Rate 6.5%
Fiscal Year 1 July - 30 June
Annual Budget $56,240,000,000 (USD)
Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP -1.9%
Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP 38.2%
Major Industries food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining
Industrial Growth Rate 2%
Agriculture Products wheat, barley, potatoes, pulses, fruits, vegetables; wool, beef, dairy products; fish
Exchange Rate per US Dollar New Zealand dollar (NZD)
Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate 5.7%

Labor Force by Occupation- As reported by New Zealand

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