EconReads
Donate

New Zealand's Economy

New Zealand at a Glance

An overview of New Zealand, a remote country of about 5 million people that relies on farm exports, tourism and services, and its key economic features.

New Zealand is a small, remote country of about 5 million people.

Economic features

  • A high-income economy.
  • Big farm exports: dairy, meat, wool, fruit.
  • Tourism and international education.

Remoteness

Distance from markets raises transport costs; the nearest large economy is Australia.

Openness

New Zealand relies on trade and has free trade deals with many partners, including China (2008), the first developed country to sign one with China.

Migration

Many New Zealanders move to Australia, while immigrants arrive from Asia and the Pacific.

The export ship

A ship leaves Tauranga with dairy powder, kiwifruit and logs bound for China.

Thinking New Zealand's economy is mostly tourism

Farm exports are central.

Key takeaways
  • New Zealand has about 5 million people.
  • Farm exports are central.
  • Remoteness raises costs.
  • It signed an FTA with China in 2008.
1 min read

No recording for this one yet - EconReader can read it aloud for you.

Welcome to EconReads

This site is made for visually impaired learners, so our read-aloud reader is already switched on to help you explore hands-free.

You're in control - turn it off any time using the Reader button at the top of the page.

EconReader Ready