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Investments

NZ’s economy is beginning to turn around while Australia is showing signs of fatigue

Slade Robertson - Devon Funds
Tuesday 21st of July 2026

Slade Robertson, Devon Funds Chairman

Australia still has the stronger labour market and a larger, wealthier economy overall, but recent data suggests New Zealand is beginning to turn upward from a lower base, while Australia is showing signs of fatigue.

That shift matters for investors, business owners and households because the next phase of growth may be led less by who is currently strongest and more by who is improving fastest. Like Kiwi’s famous “come from behind” victory in the 1983 Melbourne Cup, New Zealand could be primed for a good run.

For much of the post-pandemic period, New Zealand has been the weaker of the two economies. Higher interest rates, falling house prices, soft consumer spending and a difficult housing affordability backdrop weighed heavily on activity.

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