Mint Business Insights: September 2026 edition

Key insights from our latest report:

1. Businesses remain highly confident of better times lying just around the corner and a few are seeing improving conditions now. But for most trading conditions currently remain tough and there are deep concerns about developments offshore and the potential impact of the November 7 general election.

2. Plans for boosting inventories and investing in new plant and equipment have moved into much healthier territory as businesses anticipate stronger revenue flows through 2027. These expectations may be driving improving plans for spending on advertising, though caution remains with regard to planned hiring of extra staff.

3. Perhaps because margins are tight and ability to pass on cost increases remains constrained for many, there are growing concerns about the low level of the NZ dollar. The low currency, especially against the Australian and US dollars, is good for exports but risks adding to inflationary pressures through 2027.