Mint Business Insights: March 2026 edition

Key insights from our latest report:

1. The eruption of war in Iran and the resulting closure of the world’s key oil shipping route have produced a sharp rise in Kiwi businesses’ concerns about the functioning of their supply chains. This is associated with increased concern about where input costs are headed. However, as yet, plans to raise selling prices have not increased.

2. With the general election scheduled for early November and polls showing the outcome to be less clear than many expected last year, business concerns about the country’s political situation have strengthened. These concerns add to the caution encouraged by the war in Iran, and confidence about improving revenue flows has taken a step back.

3. A net 5% of businesses report that it is hard to find the staff they require. This helps explain the high level of planned spending increases on both recruitment and remuneration, despite new worries about the upcoming operating environment.