Inflation's already looking vulnerable, with the reality of worse economic blows still to come. 

Figures out today showed annual CPI unexpectedly held at 3.1 in this year's first three months, confounding expectations it would fall as low as 2.8. 

Economist Cameron Bagrie says the rate reflects what was happening to prices, just as the cost of fuel began to climb, when the Iran war closed the Strait of Hormuz. 

He says we'll get an inflationary hit in the June quarter, and a better starting position would have been preferable. 

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Inflation's already looking vulnerable, with the reality of worse economic blows still to come.&nbsp;
Figures out today showed annual CPI unexpectedly held at 3.1 in this year's first three months, confounding expectations it would fall as low as 2.8.&nbsp;
Economist Cameron Bagrie says the rate reflects what was happening to prices, just as the cost of fuel began to climb, when the Iran war closed the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;
He says we'll get an inflationary hit in the June quarter, and a better starting position would have been preferable.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. 

Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers. Whether you’re a small business owner or interested in what’s going on in the Big End of Town, this podcast encompasses the sharpest voices and minds in the world of business.

Best of Business is the home of all things business at Newstalk ZB, from morning market updates right through to incisive interviews with New Zealand’s top business leaders and decision makers.

Best of Business

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on New Zealand's CPI reaching 3.1 percent for the first quarter of 2026

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/bb1f2931-40be-4970-985d-b43300653853/transcript

Some experts have raised concerns that the Government's fuel response is not proactive enough.

A month ago, the Government detailed our response phases and what would trigger a move between phases - but the country remains in level one with no restrictions. 

Wise Response Society chair Nathan Surendran says margins are getting eroded and the economic outlook is worsening as a result.

"We should at least be at phase two, we should be saving, we should be conserving fuel - it takes time for people to adapt, they have to think through what they can actually do without."

LISTEN ABOVE

Some experts have raised concerns that the Government's fuel response is not proactive enough.
A month ago, the Government detailed our response phases and what would trigger a move between phases - but the country remains in level one with no restrictions.&nbsp;
Wise Response Society chair Nathan Surendran says margins are getting eroded and the economic outlook is worsening as a result.
"We should at least be at phase two, we should be saving, we should be conserving fuel - it takes time for people to adapt, they have to think through what they can actually do without."
LISTEN ABOVE

Nathan Surendran: Wise Response Society chair on New Zealand's response to the ongoing fuel crisis

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/2ba1b11b-e4dd-4993-bd27-b43701782969/transcript

David Seymour's floating the idea of giving high school students 500 dollars each, to learn investing.

Students would be able to track earnings and losses, and will be tested on it.

Seymour told Matt and Tyler, "I just think, especially for poor children from poorer households, if you don't have someone in your household who knows how to invest and talks about this stuff, how would you learn?" 

LISTEN ABOVE

David Seymour's floating the idea of giving high school students 500 dollars each, to learn investing.
Students would be able to track earnings and losses, and will be tested on it.
Seymour told Matt and Tyler, "I just think, especially for poor children from poorer households, if you don't have someone in your household who knows how to invest and talks about this stuff, how would you learn?"&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

David Seymour: Act leader proposes $30m scheme to teach kids investing

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7eebfc62-7357-41a0-a92e-b4360041846e/transcript

Christchurch bars, restaurants and retailers are preparing for a bumper weekend with the city's new stadium playing host to its first crowds. 

One NZ Stadium hosts Super Rugby’s Super Round over the next three days, with the Crusaders taking on the Waratahs in the opening match tonight. 

Recent alcohol law changes mean hospitality venues can now open past midnight and sell alcohol without serving meals. 

Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge that the stadium will bring people into the city and have them spend locally, which is exactly what they want.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

Christchurch bars, restaurants and retailers are preparing for a bumper weekend with the city's new stadium playing host to its first crowds.&nbsp;
One NZ Stadium hosts Super Rugby’s Super Round over the next three days, with the Crusaders taking on the Waratahs in the opening match tonight.&nbsp;
Recent alcohol law changes mean hospitality venues can now open past midnight and sell alcohol without serving meals.&nbsp;
Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson told Ryan Bridge that the stadium will bring people into the city and have them spend locally, which is exactly what they want. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on the opening of the One NZ Stadium

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/3ad9341f-b125-4d59-9bf0-b4360008b810/transcript

Cameron Bagrie: independent economist on New Zealand's CPI reaching 3.1 percent for the first quarter of 2026

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