Maxim Institute Regional Lecture Series

What this financial climate means for Aotearoa New Zealand

In August 2022, after two difficult years of COVID-19 disruption, New Zealand was experiencing significant economic pressures. Interest rates were rising, and the housing market was volatile. The cost of living had soared, and many households faced difficult choices about their bills. Inflation was at a 30-year high, and the stock market was in bear territory; a recession was being predicted for the end of the year.

The lecture explored how long the uncertainty might last, what global trends could mean for New Zealand, and how households could navigate an unsettled economy. Economist Brad Olsen addressed these questions.

The regional lecture series included events in Wellington and Christchurch:

The series invited audiences to explore the economic challenges facing New Zealand in 2022.

The 2022 regional lecture series was planned as a series of light-dinner discussions with the Maxim Institute team and Brad Olsen, Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics, one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. Planned stops included Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington, and Christchurch.

Our Guest:

Brad Olsen is Principal Economist and Director at Infometrics and is one of New Zealand’s leading economic commentators. He is the only economist to predict our current 7.3% inflation rate. Brad is passionate about using economics to make better-informed decisions and can communicate complex and detailed trends in a simple, relatable, and helpful manner.

With extensive networks across New Zealand’s business, media, community, and social sectors, Brad often brings together a variety of views, data, and emerging trends to inform advice and analysis to key decision-makers across New Zealand.