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: Green shoots - remember them? What the GFC taught us about economic recoveries](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Green shoots - remember them? What the GFC taught us about economic recoveries
OPINION: Interest rate falls are great news but the real economy will take longer to turn.
![Hospitality crisis: Desperate plea from another Auckland dining institution](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hospitality crisis: Desperate plea from another Auckland dining institution
A new Covid-style campaign is being launched to try to save the struggling sector.
![David Seymour talks economics, philosophy and the key to solving poverty](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
David Seymour talks economics, philosophy and the key to solving poverty
ACT leader (and acting PM) talks about the underlying philosophy that drives him
![Inflation fall puts October rate cut on the cards - ASB](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inflation fall puts October rate cut on the cards - ASB
As the inflation rate drops close to the target range, calls for early cuts are growing.
![Inside Economics: SPQR and what data says about hospitality crisis; Markets make sense of Trump shooting](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: SPQR and what data says about hospitality crisis; Markets make sense of Trump shooting
Opinion: SPQR disaster a taste of hospo's woes; How will Trump shooting shake up markets?
![Cost-of-living crisis over? Inflation stable in June quarter, annual rate down to 3.3%](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Cost-of-living crisis over? Inflation stable in June quarter, annual rate down to 3.3%
Hopes were high for a decent fall in the official CPI inflation rate.
![Liam Dann: Are we winning the inflation battle? Verdict due this week with CPI data out](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Are we winning the inflation battle? Verdict due this week with CPI data out
Consumer Price Index data should confirm whether November rate cut hopes are on the mark.
![Liam Dann: Economic optimism has broken out... should we be worried?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Economic optimism has broken out... should we be worried?
OPINION: There's light at the end of the tunnel, what if it's a train?
![Annual food prices drop for first time in six years - fruit and veges lead the way](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Annual food prices drop for first time in six years - fruit and veges lead the way
Good news for the inflation fight as food prices continue to ease, Stats NZ figures show.
![Novelist Emily Perkins on why ‘we’re always drawn to stories about the unhappy rich’](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Novelist Emily Perkins on why ‘we’re always drawn to stories about the unhappy rich’
Lioness author talks to Liam Dann about money art and the economics of writing.
![Liam Dann: Reserve Bank’s tone on rate cuts softens as downturn deepens](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Reserve Bank’s tone on rate cuts softens as downturn deepens
The OCR stays on hold but the RBNZ statement hints at an earlier start for rate cuts.
![Reserve Bank keeps OCR on hold but expectations rise for earlier cut](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Reserve Bank keeps OCR on hold but expectations rise for earlier cut
The Reserve Bank has kept the cash rate on hold for the eighth consecutive meeting.
![Packing their bags: Kiwis depart in record numbers, Aussie appeal on the rise](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Packing their bags: Kiwis depart in record numbers, Aussie appeal on the rise
Latest data shows record migrant departures even as the net migration gain stays high
![Inside Economics: Why is the RBNZ so negative - and is the divide in rate-cut forecasts credible?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Why is the RBNZ so negative - and is the divide in rate-cut forecasts credible?
Also today: is the divide in rate-cut forecasts credible? Why is the RBNZ so negative?
![OCR preview: No mercy – why RBNZ won't rush to soften its stance](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
OCR preview: No mercy – why RBNZ won't rush to soften its stance
Economists expect a hawkish RBNZ update, despite growing expectations of early cuts.
![Liam Dann: Stats say Kiwis are getting wealthier - the reality is more complex](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Stats say Kiwis are getting wealthier - the reality is more complex
OPINION: We worry a lot about living costs but wealth creation is the bigger picture.
!['Big plans': Rod Duke on why Briscoes is thriving while other retailers struggle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Big plans': Rod Duke on why Briscoes is thriving while other retailers struggle
Briscoes owner tells Liam Dann why he's confident of surviving the economic downturn.
![More hope for early rate cut as ASB economists change forecast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
More hope for early rate cut as ASB economists change forecast
Gloomy economy has lifted expectations for November rate cut.
!['Big plans': Rod Duke on why Briscoes is thriving while other retailers struggle](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Big plans': Rod Duke on why Briscoes is thriving while other retailers struggle
Briscoes owner tells Liam Dann what drives him to succeed... and how he spends his money.
![Market Watch: Investors wary of political turmoil as tech boom rolls on](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Market Watch: Investors wary of political turmoil as tech boom rolls on
Europe and Britain are already feeling an economic rebound despite political dramas.
![Inside Economics: Could synthetic milk sink the dairy industry?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Could synthetic milk sink the dairy industry?
Could fake milk ruin our economy, and what should we make of the latest tech 'hype cycle'?
![Gloomy business survey sparks rate cut hopes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Gloomy business survey sparks rate cut hopes
Latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows a downbeat outlook across all sectors.
![Liam Dann: Don't let this tough economic cycle dim our national pride](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Don't let this tough economic cycle dim our national pride
Opinion: We're not Switzerland or Ireland and we shouldn't try to be, says Liam Dann.
![‘We didn’t have any food in the house’: NZ's highest paid female exec on childhood trials](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘We didn’t have any food in the house’: NZ's highest paid female exec on childhood trials
ASB chief Vittoria Shortt talks to Liam Dann about her banking journey.
![‘More challenges than anticipated’: NZ outlook downgraded by international group](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘More challenges than anticipated’: NZ outlook downgraded by international group
BMI, the research unit of Fitch Solutions, says economy faces strong headwinds.
![‘The medicine is working’: ANZ business outlook shows good progress in inflation fight](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘The medicine is working’: ANZ business outlook shows good progress in inflation fight
ANZ Business Outlook shows confidence down but lower price and cost expectations.
![Inside Economics: Inflation, shocking cost of building houses, the Temu effect](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Inflation, shocking cost of building houses, the Temu effect
Opinion: Deciphering Boffinese inflation-speak, and is Temu killing our economy?
![Liam Dann: How will NZ drive economic growth in the next decade? Why mining won’t cut it](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: How will NZ drive economic growth in the next decade? Why mining won’t cut it
OPINION: The next wave of global economic growth will involve electricity, Liam Dann says.
![Liam Dann: Recession or not, economic downturn will get worse before it gets better](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Recession or not, economic downturn will get worse before it gets better
Key parts of the economy are crashing while population growth flatters the headlines.
![NZ out of recession but 'don’t pop the champagne just yet'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
NZ out of recession but 'don’t pop the champagne just yet'
We're out of technical recession - just - but GDP per capita is still falling
![Rob Campbell: 'I don’t mind being called a Marxist. I regard that as a badge of honour'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Rob Campbell: 'I don’t mind being called a Marxist. I regard that as a badge of honour'
From activist to corporate leader and back again, Rob Campbell talks to Liam Dann.
![Inside Economics: NZ's debt woes, recession versus inflation, cheese price craziness](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: NZ's debt woes, recession versus inflation, cheese price craziness
OPINION: When cheap cheese drives people crazy, and why private debt is a public problem.
![Is NZ still in recession? Economic growth data revealed this week](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Is NZ still in recession? Economic growth data revealed this week
Did the economy grow or shrink in the March quarter? And does it really matter?
![Liam Dann: Worse than recession – have we hit stagflation?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Worse than recession – have we hit stagflation?
OPINION: Is New Zealand getting stuck in the worst possible economic trap?
![Service sector, cars and hospitality lead spending falls as economy cools in May](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Service sector, cars and hospitality lead spending falls as economy cools in May
Latest electronic card transaction data shows Kiwis are putting their wallets away.
![Labour’s Barbara Edmonds not looking to be PM: 'Never going to happen. I’ve got eight children'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Labour’s Barbara Edmonds not looking to be PM: 'Never going to happen. I’ve got eight children'
Labour's finance spokeswoman opens up on her big family, and losing her mum.
![When will interest rates fall... and will they save the market?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
When will interest rates fall... and will they save the market?
Will rate cuts arrive to boost equities before the AI bubble bursts? We should hope so.
![‘NZ loses lustre’ as Kiwi departures hit new record and total net migration rate eases](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
‘NZ loses lustre’ as Kiwi departures hit new record and total net migration rate eases
The immigration boom continues to subside, with fewer arrivals and more departures
![Inside Economics: Winners and losers in the interest rate game - and why it matters](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Winners and losers in the interest rate game - and why it matters
OPINION: We need to stop self-pathologising, because NZ's not that special.
![Housing-related spending slumps as ANZ reports sluggish retail growth](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Housing-related spending slumps as ANZ reports sluggish retail growth
Card spending growth is running below the level of inflation, ANZ reports.
![Liam Dann: Will ‘stingy’ Boomers help push interest rates lower?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Will ‘stingy’ Boomers help push interest rates lower?
OPINION: Wealthy Boomers should be out there spending, but instead they're saving.
![From the milking shed to global skincare brand: 'I was a bit of a tomboy'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
From the milking shed to global skincare brand: 'I was a bit of a tomboy'
In just a few years, Emma Lewisham has created an in-demand beauty brand.
![Inside Economics: Lower petrol prices as oil slumps and RBNZ’s Budget headache](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Lower petrol prices as oil slumps and RBNZ’s Budget headache
It's two steps forward, one step back, as Liam Dann looks at forces driving inflation.
![Liam Dann: Why Smith & Caughey's demise was so shocking](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Why Smith & Caughey's demise was so shocking
OPINION: In a week of much Budget debate, the high-profile closure was an ominous sign.
![AA boss Nadine Tereora: From financial woes to leading a top brand](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
AA boss Nadine Tereora: From financial woes to leading a top brand
The head of NZ's largest member-based organisation has come from a humble background.
![Liam Dann: Willis blurs the line between austerity and stimulus](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Willis blurs the line between austerity and stimulus
OPINION: Does the bob-each-way strategy leave Government vulnerable to pleasing no one?
![Inside Economics: Is excessive gloom making the recession worse? All the hot Budget 2024 takes](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Is excessive gloom making the recession worse? All the hot Budget 2024 takes
OPINION: Liam Dann answers economics questions and digs through the week's economic news.
![Global demand for electricity soars with rise of AI and EVs - who will pay?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Global demand for electricity soars with rise of AI and EVs - who will pay?
EVs and AI are putting huge demands on the power supply. What does it mean for investors?
![Budget 2024: What the economists expect to see in Thursday’s big reveal](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Budget 2024: What the economists expect to see in Thursday’s big reveal
How soon can the Government get the Crown accounts back in surplus?
![Liam Dann: Never mind the numbers, what's the Budget vibe going to be?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Never mind the numbers, what's the Budget vibe going to be?
OPINION: A Budget preview that ignores the numbers and looks at the vibe of the thing.
![Guyon Espiner on his path to journalism: 'I realised I wasn’t going to be a rock star'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Guyon Espiner on his path to journalism: 'I realised I wasn’t going to be a rock star'
The broadcaster and investigative journalist talks to his old friend, Liam Dann.
![Dead cat bounce: Retail spending lifts but for how long?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Dead cat bounce: Retail spending lifts but for how long?
Latest data shows a rebound but economists don't expect it to last.
!['Very painful spot': Willis, Orr discuss efforts to rein in inflation](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Very painful spot': Willis, Orr discuss efforts to rein in inflation
The Reserve Bank has kept the OCR on hold at 5.5 per cent.
![Reserve Bank keeps OCR on hold at 5.5 per cent, rates could stay higher for longer](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Reserve Bank keeps OCR on hold at 5.5 per cent, rates could stay higher for longer
The Reserve Bank makes its latest call on whether it will cut the OCR or not.
![Inside Economics: That lost 1994 Pak'nSave receipt, China's rebound, and are banks ripping us off?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: That lost 1994 Pak'nSave receipt, China's rebound, and are banks ripping us off?
OPINION: Liam Dann answers economics questions and digs through the week's economic news.
![No respite: RBNZ expected to stick with script on interest rates](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
No respite: RBNZ expected to stick with script on interest rates
Markets are impatient for rate cuts but the RBNZ is expected to hold firm.
![Liam Dann: Survive till '25 - the new recessionary catchphrase. Should we be wary?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Survive till '25 - the new recessionary catchphrase. Should we be wary?
OPINION: Is there truly that much light at the end of the tunnel? How far will rates fall?
![Four-day week pioneer Andrew Barnes: 'I hated the person I had become'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Four-day week pioneer Andrew Barnes: 'I hated the person I had become'
Four-day week pioneer doesn't have time for a three-day weekend.
![Inside Economics: Capital Gains v Wealth Tax, chocolate and chips drive inflation, UK on the rebound](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Capital Gains v Wealth Tax, chocolate and chips drive inflation, UK on the rebound
OPINION: CGT v Wealth Tax talk has a political edge; and is NZ tourism behind the 8-ball?
![Surprise price rise: Cost of food goes up for first time in 3 months](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Surprise price rise: Cost of food goes up for first time in 3 months
New data from Stats NZ shows international airfares also spiked in April.
![Liam Dann: The Govt has backed itself into a Budget corner on tax cuts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: The Govt has backed itself into a Budget corner on tax cuts
Opinion: Tax cut debate aside early signs are that the Budget will be well-balanced
![Surfer-turned-top property boss reveals secret to being wealthy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Surfer-turned-top property boss reveals secret to being wealthy
Podcast: Ockham's Mark Todd on social inequality, urban design and the beauty of maths
![Keeping cash alive: Meet the man on a mission to keep paper money circulating](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Keeping cash alive: Meet the man on a mission to keep paper money circulating
RBNZ director of cash and money Ian Woolford says Kiwis still want coins and notes.
![Liam Dann's Inside Economics: Does high immigration make unemployment worse?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann's Inside Economics: Does high immigration make unemployment worse?
OPINION: More migrants, fewer jobs? And what's driving olive oil and coffee price spikes?
![Market Watch with Liam Dann: Why gold hit an all-time high this year... can it keep rising?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Market Watch with Liam Dann: Why gold hit an all-time high this year... can it keep rising?
Watch: Liam Dann talks gold and interest rates with Pie Funds' Mike Taylor.
![What even is the Budget? Here's all you need to know - and why it matters to you](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
What even is the Budget? Here's all you need to know - and why it matters to you
It's getting a lot of hype but what even is "The Budget"?
![Liam Dann: Don't bet your house (or your mortgage rate) on inflation forecasts](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Don't bet your house (or your mortgage rate) on inflation forecasts
OPINION: It's taken years to start causing a serious economic downturn.
![Hayley Sproull talks economics of 'girl math' and comedy: 'I didn't get into this career for money'](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Hayley Sproull talks economics of 'girl math' and comedy: 'I didn't get into this career for money'
A new season of Liam Dann's Money Talks podcast kicks off with comedian Hayley Sproull.
!['Gloomier than expected' unemployment figures point to economy cooling fast](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
'Gloomier than expected' unemployment figures point to economy cooling fast
Beneath the topline unemployment figures, labour market data was worse than expected.
![Inside Economics: Can we spend our way out of recession?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Inside Economics: Can we spend our way out of recession?
Liam Dann answers readers' economic questions and digs beneath headlines.
![Unemployment rises to highest level in three years](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unemployment rises to highest level in three years
More people are out of work, but the rate's still low compared to many previous years.
![Autumn chill as business confidence falls sharply](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Autumn chill as business confidence falls sharply
ANZ's April Business Outlook survey show firms are feeling more downbeat.
![Unemployment set to rise - but by how much?](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Unemployment set to rise - but by how much?
Labour market data for the first quarter is due on Wednesday.
![Liam Dann: Recession message finally hits home](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Recession message finally hits home
OPINION: More than two years after interest rates started rising, Kiwis are downbeat.
![Liam Dann's Inside Economics: NZ’s productivity ranking, how we compare with Singapore](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann's Inside Economics: NZ’s productivity ranking, how we compare with Singapore
Liam Dann answers reader questions and digs through the week's economic news.
![Liam Dann: Why so many Kiwis are leaving for Australia and its stronger economy](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Liam Dann: Why so many Kiwis are leaving for Australia and its stronger economy
OPINION: Kiwis are leaving at record rates, recalling NZ's great late 1970s brain drain.
![Tough economy for another 12 months, warns economist](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
Tough economy for another 12 months, warns economist
'There is little sign from the Reserve Bank of any relief this year.'
![Liam Dann: Why the big fall in inflation isn’t as good as it looks (and is Taylor Swift to blame?)](/pf/resources/images/placeholders/placeholder_l.png?d=795)
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.