The surge in exports has boosted New Zealand's economic recovery, and the pace of economic recovery has accelerated

On June 19, the pace of New Zealand's economic recovery from the 2024 recession accelerated in the first quarter as the central bank lowered interest rates and exports surged. New Zealand's GDP grew 0.8 percent quarter-on-quarter in the first quarter, up from a revised 0.5 percent in the fourth quarter of last year and slightly above economists' expectations of 0.7 percent, Statistics New Zealand data showed on Thursday. Although the economy is still smaller than it was a year ago, this recovery will be welcomed by the government as it makes economic growth a key priority ahead of the 2026 general election. But the economy is now being tested by uncertainty from global trade tensions, which is dampening spending and investment and raising fears that the expansion could weaken.