Students head to Waikato University to listen to key note speakers discuss this year’s theme ‘Big Choices for a Small Nation’.
Last month, our students attended Day 1 of the New Zealand Economics Forum at the University of Waikato, centred on this year’s theme, “Big Choices for a Small Nation.” The event brought together leading economic voices to debate the major policy decisions shaping Aotearoa’s future.
The morning featured a keynote from Nicola Willis, who discussed fiscal discipline, economic growth, and the importance of long-term decision-making for a small, open economy. Students then heard from Barbara Edmonds, Labour’s Finance Spokesperson, who offered an alternative perspective, highlighting investment in infrastructure, skills, and public services as drivers of inclusive growth.
A standout moment for many was meeting Brad Olsen from Infometrics. Brad shared his career journey into economics, explaining how curiosity about real-world issues — from housing to inflation — led him into forecasting and economic analysis. He encouraged students to see economics not just as theory, but as a pathway into careers that influence business, government, and community outcomes.
The day brought classroom concepts such as fiscal policy, economic growth, and trade-offs to life, giving students first-hand exposure to real policy debate and showing how economics can shape both national decisions and personal career pathways.
The picture shows all the students from across the Waikato that attended together with Brad Olsen after his talk.
