Politics has, and continues to be, the primary focus for the New Zealand economy in the wake of the September election. Particularly as Jacinda Ardern has been announced as New Zealand’s fortieth – and second youngest – Prime Minister of Aotearoa/New Zealand.
Currently, 71.2 per cent of businesses expect politics to have an impact on their ability to grow this quarter, with SMEs the most sensitive to the political sphere, according to our latest Alleasing Equipment Demand Index (the Index).
From an industry perspective, 25.0 per cent of manufacturers anticipate politics to have a significant impact on their businesses over the next three months. Despite this concern, manufacturers remain focused on production, with 53.6 per cent intending to increase their asset base before the end of the calendar year.
As can be expected, agriculture, forestry and fisheries also anticipate politics will affect their operations, with 22.9 per cent of this group anticipating a significant effect on their operations.