Economy
Petrol at $4 is closer than you might think
Oil prices have already shot up dramatically and it's feasible they'll go even higher, economists say. Audio
Market Update for 17 March 2026
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team. Audio
Business News for 17 March 2026
An early morning update from RNZ's business team. Audio
Fuel prices puts pressure on struggling families - budgeting service
Finance Minister Nicola Willis said she was looking at targeted, temporary support for some households if the Middle East conflict worsened.
'Emergency package' could help low income families
Economist Susan St John says New Zealand is already in a "crisis" and low income families are likely most affected Audio
Farmers face uncertain future as fuel prices skyrocket
Gavins business manager Chris Paterson said they have been forking out an extra $60,000 a week since prices went up. Audio
Fuel crisis: Which foods will rise in price fastest, and when?
Food prices are likely to rise if war in the Middle East keeps pressure on oil prices - but some types of food may be more affected than others. Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Monday 16 March
Nicola Willis is in for the Prime Minister who is in Samoa; With the conflict in the Middle East continuing, warnings over increasing costs of fuel and groceries; There's also warnings the conflict… Audio
Market Update for 16 March 2026
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team. Audio
Experts warn war in Iran could curtail economy's growth
The government is expecting the war in Iran and the ongoing fuel crisis could curtail the economy's growth by 0.5%. Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold spoke to Corin Dann. Audio
Market Update for 16 March 2026
The latest market updates and news from RNZ's business team. Audio
The Hormuz buffer: Asian oil security amid prolonged Middle East conflict
Governments are now tapping into strategic reserves, as the Middle East conflict restricts oil imports.
Is getting a university degree worth the money?
Is getting a degree value for money, or can you earn more without one? Audio
Venezuela leader urges US to lift all trade sanctions
US President Donald Trump has eased a seven-year oil embargo and allowed imports of fertiliser from Venezuela this year.
Jobless rate has new graduates questioning the worth of university
The unemployment rate for young people is three times higher than the national average.
Graduates in a battle over job wars
The unemployment rate for young people is three times higher than the national average - leaving new graduates in despair Audio
Rising fuel prices has Northlanders putting things on tick
There's concern Northland families already using buy-now-pay-later services for essentials like food and petrol will be forced further into debt with rising fuel prices and the ongoing cost of living… Audio
Morning Report Essentials for Friday 13 March
Call for the government to encourage working from home to ease fuel costs; Nelson's mayor responds to Air New Zealand flight cancellations affecting the region; Expert says the government must act to… Audio
Petrol companies warned against unreasonable price hikes
The Commerce Commission is putting fuel companies on notice if they hike prices too high at the pump. Audio
