As Labour and National face off on debt, are we asking the right questions?

PremiumOpinionOpinion byLiam DannBusiness Editor at Large·NZ Herald·29 Aug, 2026 05:00 PM6 mins to readLiam 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.‌Barbara Edmonds of Labour and Nicola Willis of National lead the charge on finance for their parties. Photos / NZMEAre you excited for a big political debate about debt?It’s election year, and big questions about borrowing typically start to make headlines.You’d think this would make an economic commentator happy. Debt is a crucial part of the modern economy.

We need to understand what it involves, the risks,