Nation of Debt: We need to talk about the billions we owe

Kiwis often don’t like to talk about money, but as our debt burden balloons, it’s an uncomfortable conversation we need to have.  
 
Both national and private debt have increased at a time when the nation is coming face to face with the spectre of extreme weather events caused by climate change – which will invariably necessitate further investment down the line. 

On top of this, the average family’s largest asset, their house, has declined in value, heaping on further financial pressure. 

So exactly how bad is the country’s balance sheet? And should we be willing to take on even more debt to prepare our infrastructure for climate change? 
 
On The Front Page today, NZ Herald business editor at large, and host of the Money Talks podcast, Liam Dann helps Damien with answers for these tough money questions. 

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You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network.

Host: Damien Venuto
Producer: Shaun D Wilson
Executive Producer: Ethan Sills

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