Skip to main content

What are the potential economic impacts, if any, on New Zealand of an escalation of conflict involving Iran?

Answered Question 7978 (2026)
Question published
Reply lodged

Asked by

Barbara Edmonds

Member for Mana · Labour Party

Question

  • What are the potential economic impacts, if any, on New Zealand of an escalation of conflict involving Iran?

Answered by

Hon Nicola Willis

List MP · National Party · Minister of Finance

Answer

Developments will impact the New Zealand economy through several channels, including trade (particularly through higher oil prices and disruption to trade flows), financial markets, and heightened uncertainty. The scale and duration of conflict, and its resulting impact on economic activity and medium-term inflation, are likely to remain uncertain for some time. The longer the duration of the conflict and the more it impacts supply chains, the greater the impact on inflation and negative impact on GDP.