The New Zealand Economics Forum 2025 provides an opportunity to discuss some of the country’s most pressing socio-economic challenges and opportunities, amidst a significant shift in New Zealand’s economic landscape.
Proudly hosted by the University of Waikato’s Management School on 13-14 February, the annual Forum will bring together some of New Zealand’s top thinkers and leaders to discuss and debate the economic challenges and opportunities ahead.
Senior Fellow of the Waikato Management School, Matt Bolger, says this year’s theme of ‘unconstrained thinking for constrained times’ is a strong reflection of the position many families, businesses and even government are in with tightened spending.
“New Zealand’s economy and society are clearly facing challenges in several areas. The Economics Forum comes at a pivotal moment to address important long-term issues in education, health and infrastructure – key areas that demand significant resources – while also exploring transformative technologies like genetic engineering and artificial intelligence,” says Mr Bolger.
“Against a backdrop of a divided world with major change unfolding around us, the Forum is a chance for business leaders, academics and community advocates to come together and provide robust discussions around how best to tackle some of the biggest issues facing both business and everyday Kiwis.”
Finance and Economic Growth Minister Hon Nicola Willis will open the event with a much-anticipated keynote address. Minister Willis will give her views on the road ahead, outlining the Government’s plan to support a strong economy for all New Zealanders and their families.
Her address will be followed by the Monetary Policy panel, featuring some of New Zealand’s leading economists: ANZ’s Sharon Zollner, ASB’s Nick Tuffley, and Infometrics’ Brad Olsen. This will be followed by a panel discussing the challenges and opportunities presented by artificial intelligence.
Day one will also include a keynote speech from the country’s new Public Service Commissioner Sir Brian Roche, and those joining for dinner will hear from Former Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison in an informal and insightful discussion facilitated by political commentator Josie Pagani.
Day two will open with a keynote from Iain Rennie, the new Chief Executive and Secretary of NZ Treasury. This will be followed by a panel discussion on geopolitics and New Zealand’s position in an ever-changing world, including former government Ministers Hon Murray McCully and Hon Andrew Little.
Other topics include New Zealand’s public health and schooling system, and the future of local government. We’ll also discuss the trade-offs that would be needed to achieve environmental goals, including insights from former Climate Change Minister Hon James Shaw, and the impact of America on the world as the second Trump administration begins, including commentary from former government Minister and Ambassador to the United States, Hon Tim Groser.
“The Waikato Management School is once again proud to bring together an exceptional range of speakers and experts. The Forum will be two days of debate, discussion and insight. It will be an incredibly valuable event for anyone interested in the key issues facing our country,” says Mr Bolger.
Last month the University of Waikato’s Business and Economics programme was ranked 151-175 globally by Times Higher Education, and is the highest-ranking band held by a New Zealand university in this subject ranking.
The Forum will be livestreamed – a full list of speakers and links to watch their sessions live can be found online.
