Join DWC, the Westport Enterprise Network and Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen for insights what’s ahead for the economy at sponsor venue EPIC Westport.
Uncertainty reigns supreme in the economy again in 2026, with ongoing global economic shocks, persistent wild weather, and an election to boot! For the economy, things were improving early in 2026 before the recovery was disrupted by conflict in the Middle East. Economic momentum is now recovering, but the path ahead remains scattered, with various challenges for businesses and households to grapple with. On top of all that, the general election in November will be a close-run thing, with questions around what key policies will mean for local communities.
Brad Olsen
Brad Olsen is the Principal Economist at Infometrics and is widely recognised as one of New Zealand’s most respected and engaging economic commentators. Nicknamed “Bad News Brad” by ZM’s Fletch, Vaughan, and Hayley, Brad has been described as a “boy wonder and economist extraordinaire” and “the face of economics in New Zealand” and has built a reputation for cutting through noise and getting to the heart of what really matters.
Brad calls it how he sees it, without fear or favour, in an engaging, witty, sometimes funny, but always informative way that helps audiences understand the economic forces shaping New Zealand and the decisions that sit ahead.