Business confidence collapses as Iran war drags on

Meanwhile, the central bank will look through the immediate ‘mayhem’ as inflation set to rise because of oil shock, says Amova’s Fergus McDonald.

ANZ’s latest monthly pulse showed firms’ confidence fell 26 points in March, down from 59 to 33.

Jonathan Mitchell

Tue, 31 Mar 2026

© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.

Business confidence has collapsed and forward-looking economic indicators have shifted as Kiwi firms fret over the ongoing Iran conflict.

ANZ’s latest monthly survey showed firms’ confidence fell 26 points in March, down from 59 to 33.

Closely-watched inflation indicators were much higher, with

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Jonathan Mitchell

Tue, 31 Mar 2026

Contact the Writer: jmitchell@nbr.co.nz

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© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.