There’s a view that New Zealand's still a while away from being a 'rockstar' economy.

Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update documents are coming out early this afternoon, carrying key economic metrics.

Treasury's also releasing a Budget Policy Statement outlining priorities for upcoming spending.

Former Finance Minister Steven Joyce told Heather du Plessis-Allan it was a pretty average year for the economy, and next year looks to be better.

Joyce says getting core spending below 30% of GDP is the goal, but it won’t happen overnight.

He says Bill English spent eight years after the Canterbury quakes and the global financial crisis wrestling to get back into surplus.

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Students are still battling to find consistent work leading into the summer break.

Fifty thousand people applied for work through Student Job Search in November – the highest number this year.

Chief Executive of Student Job Search Louise Saviker told Heather du Plessis-Allan while there are more jobs being listed, these are largely one-off or casual roles.

She says this means students need even more jobs.

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New data shows the service sector has now dipped in activity for six months in a row.

The most recent PSI recorded performance at its lowest since May, at 46.9.

For growth, it needs to sit at 50 or above.

ABC Business Sales CEO Chris Small told Heather du Plessis-Allan the results were a surprise.

He says the data had suggested the low point would be during Winter.

The sector is blaming the weak economic environment for the downturn, Small saying that in comparison, the retail sector saw a boost around Black Friday.

He says this shows things are turning around and services are just the lagging factor.

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The BNZ - BusinessNZ Performance of Services Index has slowed down, according to new data.

Reports show it fell by 1.5 points to 46.9, sparking concerns about the future of the economy.

Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further.

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The Government's Half Year Economic and Fiscal Update is due to be unveiled to the nation tomorrow, and the Finance Ministers outlined her expectations.

Experts have speculated a projected surplus will be pushed back from 2029 by another year, and Prime Minister Chris Luxon tempered expectations earlier today.

Finance Minister Nicola Willis says 'fiscal discipline' will see New Zealand's economy keep growing in the coming months.

"Importantly, I also get to update the Treasury's economic forecasts and that's what shows the picture for more job creation, income growth into the future, and people doing better."

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AI is changing marketing faster than any shift we’ve ever seen and business owners everywhere are asking the same question: Will AI replace us? In today’s episode of Make It Happen, we cut through the hype and the fear to uncover what’s actually happening right now in the business world. Whether you’re a business owner, marketer, or skilled professional, this conversation will help you understand which jobs are being automated, which roles are becoming more valuable than ever, and how to stay ahead in a world where AI can create content, design ads, and analyze data in seconds.

We break down how to use AI as a powerful advantage without losing the strategy, creativity, and human connection that actually drives sales. If you’re ready to stop worrying about the future and start leading it, this episode is your roadmap for dominating the next three years in business.

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The Deputy Prime Minister and Act Party leader makes his final appearance for 2025 as we discuss tomorrow’s Half-Year Economic and Fiscal Update (Hyefu). Plus, who is his Ag Person of the Year?

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