Liam Dann, Business Editor at Large for New Zealand’s Herald, works as a writer, columnist, radio commentator and as a presenter and producer of videos and podcasts.
I'm Liam Dann, Business Editor at Large for New Zealand’s Herald. I've been a journalist since the mid-1990’s and for more than twenty years I've been a financial journalist. Business is something I fell into after returning from my OE, having spent some time working in the financial sector in London. I loved the freedom financial journalists have to go deep into the complexity of the forces that influence our lives. Over those years I've covered, agriculture, aviation, technology, stock markets and economics. I led the Business Herald through the global financial crisis as its editor from 2007 to 2015. In that role I was privileged to travel to China, Europe, the UK and US and other far-flung spots on economic and business research and study trips. Since shifting to my 'at-large' role in 2015, I have been freed up to work as a writer, columnist, radio commentator and, more recently, as presenter and producer of videos and podcasts. The media has changed radically, but one thing that hasn't is my focus on telling New Zealand's economic story. With the help of some very smart contacts in the world of finance and economics, my aim is always to tell that story in a way that brings it to life and makes it relevant to a wide and diverse audience.
Liam Dann: Why the big fall in inflation isn’t as good as it looks (and is Taylor Swift to blame?)
Westpac economists highlight the Swiftflation effect, BNZ urges RBNZ to shake it off.
Inflation falls to lowest rate since June 2021 - annual rate now 4 per cent
Inflation falls in March quarter.
Inside Economics: Is Nicola Willis in danger of doing a 'Liz Truss'?
Liam Dann answers reader questions and digs through the week's economic news.
Kiwis departing in record numbers but net migration gain remains high
New data shows movement both in and out of the country is running hot.
How far has inflation fallen? Economists place their bets
Quarterly Consumer Price Index data will give us a read on the inflation fight.
Liam Dann: Brace yourself, this week’s job-cut headlines are just the beginning
Unemployment remains low by historic standards but job losses still hurt.
Fruit and veges lead the way as food prices continue to fall
Latest Stats NZ data show fruit and vege prices fell 13.3 per cent over the past year.
Inflation under control by end of the year says RBNZ, market prices in first rate cut by August
No change for OCR but economists warn RBNZ tone remains 'hawkish'.
OCR decision: No change but inflation under control by end of the year
A quagmire of challenges meant many pundits picked the cash rate to stay put.
Inside Economics: Why are falling prices bad news? And the RBNZ’s plan to save cash
OPINION: Liam Dann answers your questions on the quirks and intricacies of economics.
Business outlook turns dark as recession bites - NZIER survey
On the upside, cost and price pressure continue to ease, suggesting inflation is falling.
OCR preview: Cuts coming but no 'game changer' from RBNZ this week
Markets will be alert for any clues to how the RBNZ is viewing inflation.
Liam Dann: It’s time for Luxon to lead like a CEO
The PM needs to call time on negativity and lean into his natural management style.
NZ faces $1 trillion bill for infrastructure, say ASB economists
The country’s population could be up to two million people higher in 30 years' time.
Liam Dann's Market Watch: The surprising stat that points to a Wall Street boom... and is Bitcoin back for good?
The big Bitcoin comeback and Wall Street's strong start to the year.
Inside Economics: Can our ageing population kill inflation? Is it the end for Honey Puffs and cash?
OPINION: Iconic brands go, cash use declines, but AI may not cause mass job losses.
‘Darkest before the dawn’: Spots of light show through recession gloom - ASB economist
The next few months will be tough, but there some positive signs emerging.
Liam Dann: Does calling it a recession make it worse?
OPINION: Recession headlines are already working their magic for the Reserve Bank.
Business and consumer confidence dive on recession headlines
ANZ's Monthly Outlook surveys show recession fears have hit hard.
Liam Dann's Inside Economics: Gen Z is ‘doom spending’... but will recession hit them hardest?
OPINION: Liam Dann digs beneath the economic headlines in his weekly column.
Can a new model for Public Private Partnerships get Kiwis on their bikes?
Using a PPP (public private partnership) model is removing barriers to e-biking.
Liam Dann: Put tax cuts on hold until we can afford them
OPINION: Funding tax cuts this year means deeper cuts with little economic benefit.
Exclusive Liam Dann book extract: How long should I fix my mortgage?
It’s a question that takes us deep into the cold heart of the financial system.
‘Light at end of tunnel’ - Could interest rates come down sooner?
Gloomy data points the way on the path to lower inflation.
GDP: It's official - we're in recession
Recession as a second quarter of contraction recorded, per capita numbers are even worse.
NZ still spending more than it earns - but the deficit shrinks as tourists return
The goods deficit narrowed as we imported less, despite falling export returns.
Inside Economics: What is the current account deficit, can NZ survive it? And what is noodle-economics?
With new current account data due today Liam Dann looks at what it is and what it means.
Is NZ in recession? Even if not, hold the champagne - we’re going backwards
New data on Wednesday will determine whether we are officially in recession.
Food prices are falling, but inflation marches on - Liam Dann
OPINION: Cheaper veges won't be enough for the Reserve Bank to cut rates any time soon.
Migration records continue to tumble, with more arrivals... and NZ departures
New figures show the immigration boom showed few signs of abating in January.
Fruit and vege prices plummet 9 per cent in past year ... but price of eating out soars
New inflation data shows price rises are easing.
Inside Economics with Liam Dann: Why can’t Kiwis fix their mortgage for 30 years?
In the second of his new mid-week columns, Liam Dann answers reader questions.
Kiwis closing their wallets: Retail spending falls as tougher economy bites
Electronic card data shows spending is subdued in areas sensitive to interest rates.
Liam Dann: Tough economy? 'The real pain is just beginning'
OPINION: The economic downturn has landed largely as forecast for the past year.
Can economics be fun? Liam Dann thinks so
The Herald's business editor at large launches a new book demystifying money.
‘Done and dusted’: More Kiwis believe housing market downturn is over
Confidence in housing market is on the rise, with expectations interest rates have peaked
Inside Economics with Liam Dann: When your mortgage rate rises, who gets the money?
In the first of his new mid-week columns Liam Dann answers reader questions.
Liam Dann: Why do we always have to suffer through this OCR pain?
Is there any good news on the horizon for mortgage holders?
Market Watch: The AI company boosting your KiwiSaver - could it all crash?
Has AI chip company Nvidia inflated markets into bubble territory?
‘We got this one totally wrong’ - ANZ responds to RBNZ’s OCR call
The Reserve Bank held firm and kept the OCR on hold at 5.5 per cent.
What is the OCR and how does it move mortgages?
With all eyes on the Reserve Bank's decision, we explain how it affects your mortgage
Up or down - how does the Official Cash Rate actually affect your mortgage rate?
What is the Official Cash Rate and how does it control lending rates?
ASB launches $500 million business lending goal
New research with the NZIER shows access to capital has been a challenge for business.
To hike or not to hike - economists divided on RBNZ's big rate call
ANZ is expecting the official cash rate to be raised from 5.5 per cent next week.
Liam Dann: How Luxon can rebuild the economy... and why he’ll struggle
OPINION: All of the new Government's obvious economic paths look challenging.
Liam Dann: Maybe AI doesn’t suck after all - Spark's vision for a more productive NZ
Unlocking real value from AI could add $26 billion to GDP, says new report
NZ must brace for more big supply shocks - Productivity Commission
The commission's last report warns of the need to prepare for economic disruption.
Liam Dann: Is New Zealand's population growing too fast?
OPINION: The new Government faces some big issues around immigration policy.
Small businesses remain upbeat about economic outlook - MYOB
Performance in the three months to end of 2024 was described as 'above expectations'.
NZ added the population of Taranaki in 2023 - what does that mean for interest rates?
New Stats NZ data shows unprecedented levels of migration continue in both directions.
Young Kiwis head for Australia in record numbers - but immigration boom rolls on
Despite high net gains we may have passed the peak
Downbeat data points to easing inflation, less pressure on RBNZ to hike rates
Subdued consumer prices, card spending and housing data will give RBNZ pause for thought.
Food prices on the rise again - milk, eggs and chocolate lead the way
Despite a monthly rise, annual price increases were the lowest since November 2021.
'We disagree': Economists push back on need for more RBNZ rate hike expectations
Economists are divided over whether a higher OCR is needed to beat inflation.
Liam Dann: Could Year of the Dragon deliver a cure for global inflation?
OPINION: Falling prices in China could flow through to cheaper imports here and globally.
Grim warning: ANZ picks two more Reserve Bank rate hikes ahead
Strong employment data will force RBNZ to lift the OCR in February and April, ANZ says.
Could today’s low unemployment number mean another interest rate hike?
Analysis: Stronger-than-expected jobs data plays into the RBNZ's inflation concern.
Jobs surprise: Unemployment rate rises, but slowdown not as bad as expected
New data shows the labour market holding firm despite record immigration.
What to expect from today's unemployment data
New Labour data expected to paint a mixed picture of employment market.
Jobs data preview: The good news and the bad news
Labour market data due on Wednesday will offer clues to the extent of economic slowdown.
Liam Dann: Why we’re doomed to hold interest rates too high for too long
They say Monetary Policy is a blunt tool, but does it need to be quite so blunt?
Market Watch: Why your KiwiSaver is looking so healthy... and could a Trump win sink it?
Wall Street has been on a roll but there are some big risks lurking in 2024.
Economists forecast NZ GDP growth will be better than expected
Immigration to drive stronger economic growth this year, says Infometrics.
Business confidence rises again but inflation outlook still “too high” - ANZ
The latest ANZ survey shows costs still rising for business.
Mood of the sales team: New survey reveals outlook at sharp end of business world
The Mood of the Sales Leader survey offers a 'rosier' outlook but with tough months ahead.
NZ’s top economists pick the three big issues for NZ in 2024
What are the economic issues that we should be braced for in the year ahead?
Liam Dann: New Zealand is still a rich country ... now for the bad news
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from Liam Dann.
What to expect from the housing market in 2024
Kiwibank chief economist offers up a primer for the state of the NZ property market.
Roger Douglas on what's wrong with today's political parties - including Act
Listen: 'The problem is that the politicians of today, they want to help themselves'.
Market Watch: What to expect in 2024 and what we picked right and wrong in 2023
Pie Funds' chief investment officer shares his picks for the year ahead on markets.
Brokers Picks: Wipeout - local stock picking hard going in a year of high interest rates
It was a tough year for local stock pickers as the NZX50 struggled to stay above water.
Liam Dann: Everything that will definitely happen in 2024 revealed
Will your mortgage rates fall? Will a robot take your job? Will you finally go Keto?
Is the worst behind us? Business confidence on the mend
Firms' confidence in the economic outlook and their expectations rose again in December.
Liam Dann: Inflation, cyclones and politics - an entirely unreliable 2023 year in review
OPINION: It was worse than expected then better than expected but then it was worse again.
Stacey Morrison talks money: 'I’ve had to work on getting out of a poverty mindset'
The broadcaster reflects on some of the cultural differences around money.
Liam Dann: Never mind the technicalities, New Zealand is in recession
OPINION: If there's an upside to grim GDP data, it may be we'll get through this sooner.
Shock as GDP falls 0.3 per cent in September quarter
The country's economy shrank in late winter and early spring, confounding experts.
100yo Kiwi candle maker bought by owner of Metro mag, Kings Plant Barn
Auckland-based investor Still has expanded its portfolio.