21/10/2026
How are New Zealand businesses navigating uncertainty ahead of the General Election?
Launching today, our latest BDO Business Performance Index highlights that businesses are not waiting for the election to provide certainty.
The report, based on responses from over 500 business leaders, reveals that their expected positivity with their overall business performance in six months’ time is at a record low – implying that they anticipate little upside from the election result outcome, regardless of the shape of the new coalition government.
Key findings include:
• Current overall business performance is stable, but in the near-term is expected to decline.
• Mid-market businesses continue to outperform the wider business community.
• There’s growing positivity about profitability.
• Businesses are preparing to hire despite capacity pressures.
• Fuel prices remain a key impact on profit.
• North Island businesses outside Auckland are most positive about performance.
Read the full report here: https://www.bdo.nz/en-nz/microsites/bdo-business-performance-index/october-2026-report