The 2025 New Zealand Economics Forum

13 & 14 February 2025 - University of Waikato, Hamilton
www.waikato.ac.nz/nzef
Social media posts: #NZEF2025

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Unconstrained thinking for constrained times

The New Zealand Economics Forum (NZEF) has established itself as an unmissable event in the calendar for policymakers and business leaders. 

Proudly hosted by the Waikato Management School at the University of Waikato, the Forum is back for its fifth year and will take place on 13 and 14 February 2025.

The theme for this year’s forum is 'Unconstrained thinking for constrained times'.

Families, businesses and the Government are struggling with constraints on spending. At the same time, we face important long-term questions in areas such as education, health and infrastructure – all of which create a draw on resources – while also examining emerging technologies in genetic engineering and artificial intelligence, and navigating a complex geopolitical landscape.

It is a challenging environment with multiple trade-offs. The two-day event will bring together leading economists, business and community leaders, and public sector officials to discuss the most pressing economic issues facing New Zealand, to share insights that will help challenge and inform us.

Seats are strictly limited, so register today to avoid missing out. 

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Event details

The Pā, The University of Waikato, Hamilton

Thurs 13 Feb: 8.30-5.00pm, Fri 14 Feb: 7am - 1.30pm* $450 (ex GST)
Forum Dinner: Thurs13 Feb: 6.30pm* $95 (ex GST)

Free parking: Gate 1, Gate 10

*Times are subject to change

Highlights of NZEF 2024

Watch the highlights of the 2024 forum, which featured keynote speakers such as Adrian Orr, Governor of the Reserve Bank, and Finance Minister Nicola Willis.

The forum has featured a range of other high-profile speakers in the past four years, including former Prime Ministers Helen Clark, Jim Bolger and Sir Bill English; former Finance Minister Grant Robertson; and CEO of ASB Bank Vittoria Shortt. Plus many more.

You can also see the full schedule and speaker line-up from 2024 below.

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Watch replays of the 2024 New Zealand Economics Forum

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About Waikato Management School

Waikato Management School is in the top 1% of business schools globally, boasting Triple Crown accreditation since 2005 for excellence in business education.

Our scholars are ranked in the top 3% globally for economics research over the last 10 years.