New Zealand faces economic debt and systemic policy challenges

New Zealand is facing significant economic and systemic challenges, including rising government debt and a persistent cost-of-living crisis. According to Stats NZ, household living costs rose 3.2 percent in the year leading to June 2026, while the broader Consumers Price Index increased by 4.1 percent during the same period.

Addressing these issues requires moving beyond short-term policymaking. Sir Peter Gluckman, Director of Research and Policy at the Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures, is scheduled to address the Treasury regarding the need for integrated, long-term thinking. Key areas of concern include population strategy, the impact of artificial intelligence and digital technology, the future of higher education, and New Zealand’s approach to science and international partnerships.