Brent Edwards

Wellington

Political Editor at The National Business Review

Journalist

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nbr.co.nz

Articles

Reserve Bank quashes talk of a potential housing boom

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Reserve Bank quashes talk of a potential housing boom Debt-to-income ratios should help constrain prices this time around, it says. Lower interest rates should not push house prices to unsustainable levels. The Reserve Bank is confident lower interest rates will underpin the economic recovery without overheating the housing market. When the bank cut the Official Cash Rate to 0.25% in response to the Covid-19 pandemic it helped fuel the housing market.
Govt reveals new rules for mining, farming and infrastructure

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

New national directions will transition into a new RMA system once it is in place. The Coalition Government is proposing to make big changes to national planning directions for the primary sector, mining, infrastructure, energy and housing. It has released today a series of national directions for public consultation as it proceeds with its plan to free up consenting rules before Want to read more? It's easy.
This Budget harks back to the ’80s and ’90s

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

ANALYSIS: Yet things aren't quite as bad as they were then. As Finance Minister Nicola Willis delivered her second Budget last week, it came with a sense of déjà vu. The Coalition Government is repeating many of the warnings about out-of-control government spending and the level of debt which the National Government issued in the early 1990s. Indeed, in her Want to read more? It's easy.
Incoming Deputy PM eyes up electricity assets

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

The Government could pay billions in debt and save millions in interest costs, Seymour says. Act Party leader David Seymour is satisfied with last week’s Budget, but he has some radical ideas about how to more quickly get the Government’s books back into shape. Selling some of the Government’s assets is part of Seymour’s plan. He said the Government had about $600 billion worth of Want to read more? It's easy.
What keeps agribusiness leaders awake at night

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

What keeps agribusiness leaders awake at night Managed retreat and transitioning farm systems in the face of climate change is not a priority, survey shows. KPMG has released its 2025 ‘Agribusiness Agenda’. Biosecurity and trade agreements are the top priorities for agribusiness leaders, according to the latest KPMG survey. In its 2025 KPMG Agribusiness Agenda – which it has titled ‘Turning talk into tasks’ – biosecurity topped its list of concerns for the 15th consecutive year.
Targeted tax cut seen as best way to promote capital investment

1 week ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Targeted tax cut seen as best way to promote capital investment Both partial expensing and a company tax rate reduction would reduce the cost of capital on foreign investments. But cutting the company tax rate would have cost $10.8b over four years. Capital investments, including new commercial buildings, can now get a 20% tax deduction in their first year. Officials considered a company tax rate of 23% as they analysed the Budget policy aimed at boosting capital investment.
Differing views on the Budget and its impact on productivity

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Differing views on the Budget and its impact on productivity Ganesh Nana argues the Government has more scope to raise debt, but John Pask is more cautious. WATCH: BusinessNZ economist John Pask and economist Ganesh Nana speak with Brent Edwards. BusinessNZ economist John Pask describes the Coalition Government’s Investment Boost policy as a circuit breaker, but economist Ganesh Nana does not believe it will bring about a step change in productivity.
Pay equity, the Budget, Te Pāti Māori punishment, heckling Peters

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

ANALYSIS: Budget debate focuses on pay equity and fiscal responsibility. This is the week political pundits savour. The Budget is not just a fiscal and economic document; it is also an important political document. It is when the government of the day lays out clearly its priorities for the next year and beyond. Yes, those priorities are economic and fiscal ones, but Want to read more? It's easy.
Budget’s new tax break gives the ‘best bang for buck’

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Budget’s new tax break gives the ‘best bang for buck’ It is a big encouragement to businesses to invest, says Nicola Willis. WATCH: Finance Minister Nicola Willis speaks with Brent Edwards. Finance Minister Nicola Willis is pleased with her second Budget even though it was delivered in challenging times.
Budget includes more spending, plus a new tax incentive

2 weeks ago | nbr.co.nz | Brent Edwards

Overview of what this year's Budget entails – and what it means for you. Finance Minister Nicola Willis’ second Budget contains new spending of $5 billion and a $1.7b tax deduction for businesses. But Willis has stuck to her word by finding savings of $5.3b to help fund the new spending, alongside the $1.3b operating allowance she had set aside. Much of it is based on Want to read more? It's easy.