# Economist doubts fiscal unit's impact

> Economist says NZ's fiscal plan unit won't change election outcomes.
- Title: Economist doubts fiscal unit's impact · RNZ | Shortify
- Summary: Economist says NZ's fiscal plan unit won't change election outcomes. Economist Michael Reddell argues independent fiscal units don't affect election results…
- Keywords: michael reddell, national party, fiscal plan, independent pricing authority, chloe swarbrick, green party, new zealand first, act party, politics, news, Economist, doubts
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/1865939/fiscal-holes-unfunded-promises-economist-not-sure-any-of-it-matters
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-12T18:09:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: michael reddell, national party, fiscal plan, independent pricing authority, chloe swarbrick, green party, new zealand first, act party, politics, news
## National's fiscal plan
National unveiled a $1.2m every three years fiscal unit to evaluate party policies.
## Economist Reddell's view
Reddell says National's costings aren't credible but won't change election outcomes.

> aren't credible
## Luxon's confidence
Luxon remained 'extremely confident' in figures despite no public modeling.

> extremely confident
## Fiscal unit challenges
Unit would be constrained by parliamentary independence and face political resistance.
## Green Party stance
Swarbrick wants costings unit but criticized National's plan for ignoring poverty issues.

> would be happy to see this if I believed a word that Nicola Willis was saying
## Fiscal debate focus
Reddell says voters prioritize policies over fiscal details in elections.

> people voted on policies, character and technical capability
## Key takeaway

Economist Michael Reddell argues independent fiscal units don't affect election results despite political promises.