The NZCTU actively works with its affiliates to build a high-wage, high-skill, low-carbon economy in which good work is available to all.
For decades, Aotearoa New Zealand has underinvested in our people and infrastructure, and workers have been denied their fair share of economic growth.
The NZCTU’s policy work focuses on how Aotearoa New Zealand can address its major economic challenges of low wages, climate change, and infrastructure, and how we can build a productive economy in which all workers thrive.
Latest Economy News
- Consultation on Advancing New Zealand’s Energy TransitionThe CTU strongly supports the development of a proactive strategy that delivers a just transition to a sustainable, affordable, and resilient energy system. The future wellbeing and prosperity of New… Read More »Consultation on Advancing New Zealand’s Energy Transition
- Inflation data shows the need for caution from future governmentInflation data released today by Statistics NZ showed that the cost of living rose by 5.6% in September 2023, down from 6% in the June Quarter. CTU Economist Craig Renney… Read More »Inflation data shows the need for caution from future government
- Profit-led Inflation in AotearoaA combined report from NZCTU, FIRST Union, and ActionStation This report, co-authored by the NZCTU, FIRST Union, and ActionStation, shows that rising profits, not wages, have been the primary driver… Read More »Profit-led Inflation in Aotearoa
- Land Transport Management (Regulation of Public Transport) Bill, Transport and Infrastructure CommitteeTogether with Fair Pay Agreements in this sector, the proposed legislation should improve Aotearoa New Zealand’s public transport system, which is currently in a parlous state. The existing Public Transport… Read More »Land Transport Management (Regulation of Public Transport) Bill, Transport and Infrastructure Committee
- Building Economic Resilience Inquiry, New Zealand Productivity CommissionBuilding resilience to persistent supply chain disruptions will be an important part of securing future economic stability and prosperity in Aotearoa New Zealand. The evidence suggests we will experience more… Read More »Building Economic Resilience Inquiry, New Zealand Productivity Commission
- Monetary Policy Committee Remit ReviewThe NZCTU supports a macroeconomic policy approach that places the wellbeing of New Zealanders at its centre. To do this, we need to make full employment – defined as a… Read More »Monetary Policy Committee Remit Review
Budget 23
This is a Budget written in the shadow of an election that will likely define Aotearoa New Zealand for decades to come. It is also a Budget written against the backdrop of inflation, the climate crisis, and other profound challenges for our country.
Budget 2023 shows that the government’s accounts are in a strong position and that our short-term economic position is relatively robust. Much of this Budget is set to ease inflation, with 79% of total costs used just to keep the lights on – against 69% last year and around 50% historically. Government is making some highly targeted investments that will ease cost-of-living pressures, improve living standards for lower-income households, and support science and innovation.
However, government is still hiding behind fiscal indicators instead of delivering the kinds of transformational change that we need. Aotearoa New Zealand should be moving the structural levels of taxation and spending to those we see in the countries that we compare ourselves to.
Economic Bulletin
In our regular Economic Bulletin, we examine issues relevant to working people with an economic lense.
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Previous Issues
- Economic Bulletin October/November 2023Welcome to the October/November edition of the Economic Bulletin. In this edition, we publish the CTU President Richard Wagstaff’s address to the 2023 Biennial Conference. Richard sets the gains won… Read More »Economic Bulletin October/November 2023
- Monthly Economic Bulletin – August/September 2023Welcome to the August/September edition of the Economic Bulletin. In this Bulletin, we look at the tax plans that the major parties have put forth this election and discuss what… Read More »Monthly Economic Bulletin – August/September 2023
- Monthly Economic Bulletin – July 2023Welcome to the July edition of the Economic Bulletin. In this month’s Bulletin, we cost National’s current policy proposals for the next Parliament and compare this with the funding available… Read More »Monthly Economic Bulletin – July 2023
- Monthly Economic Bulletin – June 2023Greetings from the NZCTU and welcome to the June edition of the Economic Bulletin. In this edition we debunk the idea that the New Zealand economy is in the doldrums.… Read More »Monthly Economic Bulletin – June 2023
- Monthly Economic Bulletin – February 2023Greetings from the NZCTU and welcome to the February edition of the EconoLex. In this report, we examine the response to Cyclone Gabrielle —and why the government has lots of… Read More »Monthly Economic Bulletin – February 2023
- Monthly Economic Bulletin – December 2022Seasons greetings & welcome to this bumper December 2022 edition of the EconoLex. December is usually a time when we come together to celebrate the festive season. We see family… Read More »Monthly Economic Bulletin – December 2022