World

NZ debt office keeps 2017/18 bond issuance plans unchanged at NZ$7bn

Published December 14, 2017 Updated December 14, 2017 01:37am

The DMO plans to issue NZ$7 billion ($4.91 billion) in 2017/18, compared to NZ$7 billion in the pre-election update in August.

It raised its issuance plans for 2020/21 to NZ$7 billion from NZ$6 billion in its pre-election update.

The new Labour-led government, which took the helm in October, has said it will reduce government debt at a slower pace than the previous ruling National-led regime as it seeks to boost spending on social services.

New Zealand is targeting net debt to gross domestic product of 20 percent by 2022 from a forecast 21.7 in 2018.

Copyright Reuters, 2017