From NZ Herald · · 3m
Mood of the Boardroom: Barbara Edmonds and Nicola Willis battle for business votes
Business leaders weigh Labour's Barbara Edmonds and National's Nicola Willis on economic recovery ahead of November 7 election.
In brief
Business leaders weigh Labour's Barbara Edmonds and National's Nicola Willis on economic recovery ahead of November 7 election. New Zealand business leaders show increased economic confidence but remain divided on which political leader can best drive recovery ahead of the November 7 election. Originally reported by…
Economic confidence rises
New Zealand's economic confidence climbed to 3.37 out of 5 in the 2026 Mood of the Boardroom survey, up from 2.82 last year and above the nine-year high of 3.23 in 2024.
Business leaders pitch for economic recovery
Nicola Willis and Barbara Edmonds directly pitched to business leaders to entrust them with leading New Zealand's economic recovery ahead of the November 7 election.
Willis highlights economic growth
Willis stated New Zealand was growing faster than Australia, the US, and the UK according to Stats NZ, with the IMF forecasting higher GDP growth next year.
Edmonds emphasizes credibility
Edmonds said credibility should be earned, not assumed, and that business confidence shouldn't depend on which political party wins.
Edmonds cites economic challenges
Edmonds noted under National's watch, inflation was above target, 171,000 people were unemployed, and business liquidations reached a 15-year high.
Willis and Edmonds differ on approach
Willis sees an economy; Edmonds sees a country, with workers as essential to business success rather than just a cost line.
Edmonds addresses cost of living
Edmonds stated children coming to the door who are starving are a reality, and cost of living is the number one issue for businesses.
Willis challenges Edmonds' numbers
Willis argued Edmonds' numbers didn't add up, claiming there's not a monopoly on compassion and the government's surplus doesn't match spending plans.
Edmonds on investment in New Zealand
Edmonds said every dollar spent in New Zealand makes the country a better place and that businesses should invest to grow the economy.
Willis on tax stability
Willis urged businesses to invest in New Zealand under a government committed to tax stability without new taxes.
Edmonds on pandemic response
Edmonds acknowledged the Labour-led government dealt with the pandemic but avoided criticizing former Finance Minister Grant Robertson.
Willis warns about Chlöe Swarbrick
Willis cautioned Edmonds that she couldn't 'just wish Chlöe Swarbrick away' as Swarbrick is a key coalition partner with 16% support.
Business investment trends
50% of businesses plan to increase capital expenditure, 62% expect more IT spending, and three-quarters forecast revenue growth over the next year.
Luxon leads on economic growth
65% of business leaders back Prime Minister Christopher Luxon for driving economic growth, with only 3% choosing Labour's Chris Hipkins.
Luxon's political performance
Business leaders rated Luxon's overall political performance at 2.52 out of 5, with criticism on communication and government drift toward populist policies.
Luxon's political longevity
Business leaders gave Luxon only 2.27 out of 5 confidence he would remain National leader if re-elected.
The essence
New Zealand business leaders show increased economic confidence but remain divided on which political leader can best drive recovery ahead of the November 7 election.
