Treasury's refreshed views on New Zealand's economic strategy: A review article

Abstract

At the 2014 election, the New Zealand Treasury's briefing papers included a document containing the Treasury's refreshed views on New Zealand's economic performance and strategy. This paper tests the evidence, analysis and strategic perspectives presented in that document, some of which are not well-founded. The paper builds on the Treasury's analysis of prosperity, sustainability and inclusiveness, but advocates a strategic objective of ‘value-added growth’ rather than ‘export-led growth’. A major theme is that New Zealand's economic strategy must be grounded in its own particular geography, history and resources to take advantage of specific opportunities in the global economy.