Building New Zealand’s economy-Christopher Luxon

Big news for shoppers is also a vote of confidence in New Zealand’s economic outlook. US supermarket giant Costco is planning to open a second store in South Auckland, signalling that international investors see New Zealand as a stable and attractive place to invest and grow.
Large developments like Costco’s don’t just mean more choice for consumers. They bring real economic weight – billions of dollars of investment over the next decade, thousands of constructions and related services jobs, and new opportunities for local suppliers. Increased competition in the supermarket sector also puts downward pressure on prices and helps open pathways for food producers across the regions. When competition grows, New Zealanders benefit at the checkout and local businesses gain new routes to market.
Government reforms are making it easier for this growth to happen. Projects that boost supermarket competition now qualify for accelerated approvals, a single nationwide consenting authority is being established for competitor supermarket developments, and standardised designs mean multiple stores can move through the system far more quickly. Less red tape means faster builds, more jobs, and more economic activity across the country.
These changessit alongside wider economic measures such as tax relief and falling interest rates – practical tools that support business investment, help households manage costs, and give the whole economy a more stable foundation. Fast-tracking supermarkets, housing, energy, and ports is all part of a broader plan to create more homes, more jobs, more exports, and more opportunities in every region.
Families are also directly feeling the benefits of targeted support. The expansion of Family Boost means thousands more households are now receiving at least $150 a fortnight to help with the costs of childcare. Since the changes announced in July, over 78,000 households have been receiving payments. The average payment for the September quarter has nearly doubled, rising from $57 to just under $100 a fortnight. That extra support puts more money in families’ pockets to help with everyday costs.
A strong economy also relies on strong infrastructure – the roads, pipes, schools, hospitals, and energy systems that keep the country moving. The latest update from the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission shows real momentum in this area. The National Infrastructure Pipeline now includes nearly 12,000 projects worth $275 billion, up from $237 billion just three months earlier.
Of that total, $181 billion worth of projects now have full or partial funding commitments, or a confirmed funding source – a jump of $56 billion since June. At the end of September, $61 billion worth of infrastructure projects were already under construction, with a further $20 billion scheduled to start in the next 12 months. This is hugely positive for the construction sector, giving firms the certainty they need to plan ahead and invest in new capability.
Together, these developments signal an economy regaining momentum: international investors are choosing New Zealand, major infrastructure projects are progressing at scale, more families are receiving support, and businesses are operating with fewer barriers and clearer paths to growth.
Practical, growth-focused policies – cutting red tape, supporting investment, fostering competition, and backing households – are how we build a stronger, more dynamic economy that lifts every region and benefits every New Zealander.