New Zealand's Electricity Market and Renewables

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.

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.

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.