A 2026 reset brings a year of positive change.
As we are all now looking forward to 2026, our hope is for broader growth and certainty for all our businesses and households. Collectively, many businesses, families and individuals are working hard, resetting plans, and committing to the year ahead.
We all wish to see our economy grow, demand to flow back, and investment ideas to be executed. A broadening of economic growth helps us all.
Encouragingly, property experts broadly agree that house prices are likely to rise by around 5%, supported by lower holding interest rates and a renewed confidence stimulating activity in the market, with more willing buyers and sellers accepting the market cycle. And with stable monetary policy settings forming, it feels like the right time for the private sector to move forward, plan confidently, and begin investing.
As of August 2025, the New Zealand Government introduced significant updates to the Resource Management Amendment Act (RMA).
These changes may have a substantial impact on business operations and property investments, as they are designed to strengthen environmental accountability and reflect the country’s growing focus on sustainability and compliance.
Read more about how the Resource Management Amendment Act 2025 could affect your business or property investments.
As 2025 draws to a close, many of you may be winding down and looking forward to spending more time with family and friends.
Before we all fully embrace the holiday season, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the year, while looking ahead with optimism to the opportunities and possibilities the New Year will bring.
We’re delighted to share that our Takapuna office has officially moved into a larger, newly refurbished space located right in the heart of central Takapuna.
Most of us have already felt the pinch in one way or another — and the latest economic figures for Quarter 2 of 2025 (ending 30 June) shows that New Zealand’s economy contracted by 0.09 percent. The size of this decline came as a surprise to many economists, but on the ground, many New Zealanders felt the decline first-hand — from reduced consumer spending to business caution, all intensified by new trade tariffs announced in the United States and a general drop in confidence across global markets.
End of Quarter 2 - 30 June 2025
Over the past quarter, economic activity has remained subdued, reflected in lower building cost inflation and a flat housing market. At the same time, the cost of essentials—including food, accommodation, and energy—rose by 4.2%. This presents a mixed local picture, which is further complicated by ongoing global uncertainty and rising cost pressures abroad.
aibGROUP Insurance Limited (AIB) is a fully licensed Financial Advice Provider (FAP) as amended by the Financial Services legislation Amendment Act 2019 (FMC Act).
Dear Valued Clients,
As 2024 draws to a close, we know many of you are gearing up for some well-deserved time off. Whether it's spending time with loved ones or simply taking time for yourself, this season is all about recharging, reflecting on the year gone by, and getting ready for what’s next.
The official cash rate (OCR) dropped 50 basis points to 4.25% 27 November, with the RBNZ's Monetary Policy Committee noting that “inflation expectations at all horizons are close to the target midpoint”. They added that "With significant spare productive capacity expected in the economy over the next 12 months, the Committee is confident that remaining inflation pressures will abate”.
Now is a good time to provide a final 2024 update with our views on the current state of the general insurance market alongside the broader economic backdrop as we start to plan for 2025.
Richard starts this week and with it an exciting opportunity for both Richard and aibGROUP clients.
With over 20 years of commercial insurance market experience, Richard brings extensive knowledge and insight that will be invaluable to our clients.
