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From struggling retail to booming agriculture, New Zealand's economic landscape is more divided than ever. We break down the key insights from ANZ's 2025 seminar and what they mean for your sector.Recently we headed along to ANZ’s Seminar to hear Chief Economist Sharon Zollner share her thoughts on where the economy’s at and what might be coming next. It was a great chance to take the pulse of the country – and while there are some positive signs, the recovery is definitely a mixed bag.The Reserve Bank’s deliberate slowdown to get on top of inflation has done its job, but things aren’t bouncing back evenly. The Official Cash Rate is sitting at 3.25 percent now, down from its peak, and ANZ is expecting a few more small cuts before the end of summer. That could give borrowers some breathing room, but it’s clear the bank is keeping one eye firmly on inflation.We’re seeing a real divide between sectors. For many businesses – retail, hospitality, manufacturing, construction, housing – it’s been hard going. Costs are still high, and customers are watching their spending closely. On the flip side, agriculture is having a bit of a moment, with strong dairy and meat prices giving rural communities a welcome boost.The jobs market has softened a little, and the housing market is still in the slow lane. ANZ has pared back its house price growth forecast for the year to 2.5 percent, and even that could prove optimistic. Inflation has crept up to 2.7 percent, near the top of the Reserve Bank’s comfort zone, thanks to stubborn rises in things like electricity, dairy, and fresh produce.On top of all that, there’s the global picture to consider. Only a small slice of our exports go directly to the US, but big shifts overseas can still ripple through commodity prices and shake investor confidence here. It’s another reminder that New Zealand doesn’t operate in a bubble.Our takeaway? Now’s the time for caution – but not for standing still. Keep a close eye on your numbers, be ready to adjust if conditions change, and look for opportunities where they do exist, especially if you’re in a sector with some tailwinds. We’ll keep watching the trends and sharing what we learn, so you can make the best calls for your business in what’s shaping up to be another interesting year.Reach out to us if you want any advice or guidance on how your business is tracking and how you can make the most of the opportunities ahead of you.Ready to navigate the economic uncertainty ahead? Don't let mixed market signals catch your business off guard. Our team can help you analyse your financial position, identify opportunities in your sector, and develop strategies to weather the challenges ahead.Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your business's economic outlook and planning needs.