In this episode of Economy Made Simple, Shamubeel Eaqub breaks down the Long Term Insight Briefings published by New Zealand’s key government agencies and explains why they matter far more than most of us realise. These reports look decades ahead and ask some uncomfortable but necessary questions about NZ’s future, including how we fund public services, care for an ageing population, respond to climate and geopolitical risks, and balance today’s needs with those of future generations.

Rather than focusing on politics or short term headlines, this episode steps back to explore the big structural forces shaping NZ’s economy and society, and the trade offs we are going to have to confront - whether we like it or not.

This episode covers:

•  Why NZ’s fiscal maths no longer stacks up as the population ages - why ratios of workers vs retirees matter
•  The growing infrastructure deficit and the cost of decades of deferred maintenance
•  How weak productivity growth limits our future choices
•  The impact of climate change and geopolitics increase economic risk for a small trading nation
•  The tension between equity and efficiency and between current and future generations
•  Why governments struggle to move from short-term thinking to long-term resilience
•  The role immigration and KiwiSaver could play as societal safety valves
•  Why culture, institutions and social cohesion matter as much as economic policy does

Resources and research referenced in this episode (Govt department Long Term Insights Briefing papers):

- Treasury Long Term Insights Briefing

- IRD Long Term Insights Briefing 

- Ministry of Social Development Long Term Insights Briefing

- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Long Term Insights Briefing

This conversation helps you lift your gaze beyond the next budget or election cycle and understand the deeper forces shaping NZ’s future. You will come away with a clearer sense of the trade-offs ahead, why there are no costless solutions, and how greater awareness can inform both your personal preparation and your engagement as a citizen. It is an episode designed to make complex long-term challenges feel understandable, relevant, and worth thinking about.

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Disclaimer: This podcast contains personal opinions and is intended to provide educational information only. It doesn't relate to your particular financial situation or goals and is not financial advice or recommendations. Simplicity New Zealand Limited is the issuer of the Simplicity KiwiSaver scheme and investment funds. For product disclosure statements please visit Simplicity's website simplicity. kiwi.