N.Z.’s Finance Minister Warns Not to Expect Foreign Students in 2020

The transcript discusses New Zealand's strategic approach to reviving industries like filmmaking and education, particularly focusing on international students. It addresses the challenges of quarantine capacity and the potential for future development. The conversation shifts to fiscal stimulus options, including helicopter money, and the uncertainty surrounding economic measures. The discussion also covers the ongoing pandemic's impact on fiscal planning, emphasizing the need for a flexible response. Finally, it explores New Zealand's debt management strategy, highlighting the importance of maintaining economic stability in the face of natural disasters and other shocks.

What is one of the main challenges New Zealand faces in reopening its international education sector?

• Lack of interest from foreign students

• Insufficient quarantine capacity

• High tuition fees

• Limited educational resources

What is the government's stance on implementing direct cash payments to households?

• It has already been implemented

• It remains an option under consideration

• It is not being considered at all

• It is a confirmed part of the immediate plan

How does the government view the current fiscal package in response to the pandemic?

• Insufficient and needs immediate expansion

• Sufficient for current needs but flexible for future changes

• Excessive and should be reduced

• Irrelevant to the current economic situation

What is the projected net debt of New Zealand by 2023 according to the budget forecast?

• 30% of GDP

• 54% of GDP

• 70% of GDP

• 90% of GDP

Why does New Zealand need to maintain a prudent level of debt?

• To avoid international sanctions

• To increase foreign investments

• To reduce inflation

• Due to its vulnerability to natural disasters and other shocks