Economy - overview: Since 1984 the government has accomplished major economic restructuring, moving an agrarian economy dependent on concessionary British market access toward a more industrialized, free market economy that can compete globally. This dynamic growth has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of the industrial sector, and contained inflationary pressures. Inflation remains among the lowest in the industrial world. Per capita GDP has been moving up toward the levels of the big West European economies. New Zealand's heavy dependence on trade leaves its growth prospects vulnerable to economic performance in Asia, Europe, and the US. With the FY00/01 budget pushing up pension and other public outlays, the government's ability to meet fiscal targets will depend on sustained economic growth.
GDP: purchasing power parity - $67.6 billion (2000 est.)
GDP - real growth rate: 3.6% (2000 est.)
GDP - per capita: purchasing power parity - $17,700 (2000 est.)
GDP - composition by sector: agriculture: 8%
industry: 23%
services: 69% (1999)
Population below poverty line: NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share: lowest 10%: 0.3%
highest 10%: 29.8% (1991 est.)