New Zealand’s Q1 GDP growth expected to rise
New Zealand’s economy is expected to show solid growth in the first quarter of 2026. The median market forecast points to quarterly growth of 0.9%, up from 0.2% in the previous quarter.
The growth is expected to be driven by strong performances in manufacturing, wholesale trade, and tourism. However, construction is expected to be a drag, with residential and non-residential building work falling around 3.5% in the quarter.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand had forecast 1.0% quarterly growth in its May Monetary Policy Statement. On an annual basis, growth is seen slipping to 1.1% from 1.3% due to a high base from the previous year.