S&P Global Ratings analysts held a live interactive webinar on Thursday, March 20, 2025, discussing recent negative rating actions on New Zealand local councils amid the sector’s weaker institutional framework.
Key discussion points included:
- Why has S&P Global Ratings lowered New Zealand's local council institutional framework settings?
- How do the sector's deficits and debt levels compare to international peers?
- How have Crown policies, such as water reforms, played a role?
- Why has S&P Global Ratings lowered its ratings on most, but not all, councils?
- What are the implications for ratings on the New Zealand sovereign and Local Government Funding Agency?
Speakers:
Anthony Walker, Director, Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings
Rebecca Hrvatin, Associate Director, Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings
Deriek Pijls, Senior Analyst, Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings
Moderator:
Martin Foo, Director, Sovereign and International Public Finance Ratings
This webinar replay is free of charge.
Questions?
Please contact us if you need more information or have trouble accessing the webinar.
Contact Us
If you have more questions, please feel free to contact our team