Concerns that Wellington City Council's financial books aren't in a good state.

Castalia was commissioned by a group of locals for an independent analysis of public records, which suggests a one-billion-dollar budget blowout.

Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan, told Kate Hawkesby that the council's 'reckless.'

He says they've bitten off more than they can financially chew, but concedes that some of it is down to inflation.

Council Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves says the analysis makes assumptions based on outdated information.

LISTEN ABOVE

Concerns that Wellington City Council's financial books aren't in a good state. 
Castalia was commissioned by a group of locals for an independent analysis of public records, which suggests a one-billion-dollar budget blowout. 
Group member and Wellington Lawyer, John Swan, told Kate Hawkesby that the council's 'reckless.' 
He says they've bitten off more than they can financially chew, but concedes that some of it is down to inflation. 
Council Chief Financial Officer Andrea Reeves says the analysis makes assumptions based on outdated information. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

John Swan: Wellington Lawyer on the analysis of Wellington City Council's finances

Net migration is back on the rise as the brain drain eases. 

Stats NZ data shows the number of people moving here in the year to July outnumbered those leaving by 20,300. 

Annually, that net migration has risen almost 55%, with arrivals up 5% and departures down 4%. 

Immigration Expert Simon Laurent told Andrew Dickens that much as it has in the past, the security and safety of New Zealand is making it an attractive place to put down roots. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Net migration is back on the rise as the brain drain eases.&nbsp;
Stats NZ data shows the number of people moving here in the year to July outnumbered those leaving by 20,300.&nbsp;
Annually, that net migration has risen almost 55%, with arrivals up 5% and departures down 4%.&nbsp;
Immigration Expert Simon Laurent told Andrew Dickens that much as it has in the past, the security and safety of New Zealand is making it an attractive place to put down roots.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Simon Laurent: NZ Association of Migration and Investment Chair on net migration hitting a two year high

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c17805cb-7081-4a69-8dec-b4c5018a13ec/transcript

Surging global oil prices and bond yields could keep inflation higher than expected and force the Reserve Bank to raise the OCR faster than expected. 

Some economists now expect the Official Cash Rate to reach 4% before the end of the year. 

The Government says the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update —due out in two weeks— will try to reflect changes in borrowing costs. 

Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens further conflict in the Middle East is pushing up oil prices, as fears grow about an AI bubble burst. 

He says both of these things are happening, amidst mounting concerns about government debt. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

Surging global oil prices and bond yields could keep inflation higher than expected and force the Reserve Bank to raise the OCR faster than expected.&nbsp;
Some economists now expect the Official Cash Rate to reach 4% before the end of the year.&nbsp;
The Government says the Pre-election Economic and Fiscal Update —due out in two weeks— will try to reflect changes in borrowing costs.&nbsp;
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Andrew Dickens further conflict in the Middle East is pushing up oil prices, as fears grow about an AI bubble burst.&nbsp;
He says both of these things are happening, amidst mounting concerns about government debt.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Brad Olsen: Infometrics Principal Economist on how an uncertain global bond market could impact New Zealand

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/032c18e5-ab12-4334-a1d1-b4c501837a44/transcript

July's record tourism numbers are being seen as a reflection of investment finally paying off.   

Stats NZ data shows 256,600 overseas tourists arrived during the month, overtaking pre-Covid numbers from July 2019 by 0.4%. 

Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Andrew Dickens the effort from local councils, regional tourism operators, and the Government is bearing fruit.  

She says July is usually a quiet time, so the big win is the 70% jump in business events that keep the likes of Rotorua afloat. 

LISTEN ABOVE  

July's record tourism numbers are being seen as a reflection of investment finally paying off. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Stats NZ data shows 256,600 overseas tourists arrived during the month, overtaking pre-Covid numbers from July 2019 by 0.4%.&nbsp;
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell told Andrew Dickens the effort from local councils, regional tourism operators, and the Government is bearing fruit. &nbsp;
She says July is usually a quiet time, so the big win is the 70% jump in business events that keep the likes of Rotorua afloat.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE &nbsp;

Tania Tapsell: Rotorua Mayor on tourism arrivals overtaking pre-Covid numbers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/5a7a64d5-8bb8-4fe4-8933-b4c5012c8416/transcript

John Swan: Wellington Lawyer on the analysis of Wellington City Council's finances

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