Research & news

24.11.2025

Investment Diversification for Farmers - why act now?

New Zealand farmers are no strangers to risk, with every season bringing its own set of challenges: milk payout swings, weather extremes, rising input costs, and regulatory changes, just to name a few. For decades, the strategy has been simple: own more land, milk more cows or run more cattle, and ride out the cycles. However, in the current climate, depending exclusively on dairy or sheep and beef farming leaves families vulnerable to broad, industry-wide risks that remain outside the control of even the most skilled producers.

Market Insights

10.11.2025

Beyond the Farm Gate: Diversification or Expansion for NZ Farmers?

A generational shift is occurring which could see over $150 billion in rural assets change hands, making the question of how best to invest farm capital more valuable than ever. Succession, risk management, and business resilience are top-of-mind for some of New Zealand’s farming families.

As we know, farming is a cyclical business. At present, we have the benefit of a low exchange rate, reasonable commodity prices, falling interest rates and farm values which are probably trending up, all of which is good. But farming families with foresight are looking through these good times and planning for the long term.

04.11.2025

New Zealand's Commercial Property Market

For many New Zealanders—especially those in farming—income can be volatile, swinging with weather, commodity prices, and global demand. Investing in commercial property is a proven strategy to diversify and stabilise returns. Unlike farming, where income is tied to production and market cycles, commercial property offers the potential for steady, lease-based income and in the right circumstances, long-term capital appreciation. This 101 Insight seeks to demystify the fundamentals of commercial property investment, focusing on key concepts, value drivers, and the importance of timing.

Market Insights

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06.06.2025

Building resilience in the food and fibre sector

The food and fibre sector is an important driver of economic activity in New Zealand and a significant source of export earnings. It also has the potential to contribute to the government’s growth and export goals. Recent developments in US tariff policy are in the process of redefining global trade relations, creating threats and opportunities for those in the sector. To take best advantage, participants should be looking to diversify into new markets, while simultaneously looking at ways to maximise cost efficiencies.

Market Insights

20.05.2025

Budget 2025 Investment Boost

Last week, the government's Investment Boost announcement provided exciting news for prospective investors in the MyFarm Solar Fund.

The policy allows for a one-time 20% write-down on new assets, enabling businesses to claim both the Investment Boost and a standard depreciation deduction in the year they purchase the asset. This development accelerates the depreciation process, resulting in a larger deduction for the year of purchase.

Sector updates

01.05.2025

EECA and Centre for Sustainable Finance partner to unlock private capital for clean energy

The Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua (CSF) and EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority) have, today, announced a strategic partnership to accelerate private investment in New Zealand’s energy transition. This collaboration aims to address barriers to financing renewable energy projects and energy efficiency projects.

Media release

30.04.2025

New Zealand's Electricity Market and Renewables

The New Zealand electricity market is undergoing significant transformation driven by regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and evolving market dynamics. This latest Market Insight will give you a clear understanding of the market with analysis of key trends, drivers, and outlook, focusing on the growing role of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.

Market Insights

21.01.2025

Podcast - Andrew Watters; what's hot and what's not in Ag investing

Dom talks with MyFarm CEO Andrew Watters about agriculture investments, where to put your money and navigating the trends.

Market Insights

06.09.2024

Term deposit rates are falling: Where now for income investors?

Borrowers received the first glimmer of much-wanted relief when the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 0.25% to 5.25% at their meeting on 14th August.

The RBNZ had earlier noted that its estimate of the long-term neutral OCR was 2.75%, so the August cut appears to be the start of a much-needed easing cycle likely to run through to late 2025 or early 2026.

This outlook for a cut of 2.75% from the highs of the past year is great news for borrowers but may require a change of strategy for savers.

Market Insights