Latest GDP figures and RNZ-Reid Research political poll w/ National MP Carl Bates: 23 September, 2025

The latest GDP figures released on Thursday reveal a drop in GDP in the second quarter, down 0.9%.
Amidst calls for Economic Minister Nicola Willis to resign, stating she is sending New Zealand’s economy in the wrong direction – Willis and Christopher Luxon have reasserted that she is the ‘best person for the job’, and point to international turmoil and the previous government as at fault for economic struggles.

Recent data revealed in the RNZ -Reid Research political poll has indicated higher public support for Labour than National, lower preference for Luxon as Prime Minister over Hipkins, New Zealanders increasingly believing the country is heading in the wrong direction and more people blaming the current government for our financial situation than the previous one.

Wire Host Sara spoke with National MP Carl Bates about his thoughts on this data, starting with the GDP