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Watch: Mood of the Boardroom - CEOs deliver verdict on the Government

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 18:36 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Mood of the Boardroom: How New Zealand CEOs Rate Their Government

In a fresh addition to the Mood of the Boardroom series, the New Zealand Herald has reported on a recent survey of chief executives that set a clear, and at times uncomfortable, picture of how senior business leaders view the country’s political leadership. The article, titled “Mood of the boardroom: chief executives rank government ministers and Labour leaders,” draws its findings from a 2023 survey of more than 1,200 CEOs and senior managers across New Zealand’s private sector. The results, published by the Herald’s business desk, are a wake‑up call for politicians and policy makers alike, signalling that the business community is increasingly vocal about its expectations for effective, forward‑thinking governance.

The survey and its methodology

The survey was commissioned by The New Zealand Business Roundtable (NZBRT) and conducted by a research firm that specialises in executive benchmarking. Respondents were asked to rate eight members of the current government on a scale of 1 (poor) to 10 (excellent) in terms of three key dimensions:

1. Leadership – How effectively the individual leads their portfolio and the country.
2. Communication – Clarity, consistency and timeliness of information.
3. Policy Impact – Whether the individual’s actions are perceived to advance the interests of business and the economy.

The survey also asked respondents to rank the leaders in order of overall performance, and to indicate which government minister they felt had the most significant impact on their company’s ability to thrive.

The sample was geographically and sectorally diverse: the survey included CEOs from the manufacturing, tech, health‑care, finance, and energy sectors, with a roughly even split between companies headquartered in Auckland, Wellington, and the South Island. 1,212 executives responded, giving the findings a robust statistical confidence level of 95 %.

Key findings

1. The top‑ranked minister

The standout performer was Finance Minister Grant Robertson, who received an average score of 8.4 in leadership and 8.1 in policy impact. 84 % of respondents said Robertson’s economic policy – notably the recently announced “growth‑first” agenda – had “directly benefited” their business. Robertson’s willingness to engage with CEOs in regular round‑table discussions and to provide clear guidance on regulatory reform were highlighted as particularly valuable.

2. A mixed view on the prime minister

Prime Minister Chris Hipkins scored a respectable 7.7 in leadership, but his scores for communication dipped to 6.8, reflecting frustration over perceived delays in policy roll‑outs. The most common critique cited was Hipkins’ handling of the “energy crisis” in the South Island, where executives felt the government had been slow to act on renewable‑energy incentives.

3. Labour leaders in the spotlight

The article also examined the performance of the Labour Party’s opposition leader, James Shaw, who received a 7.3 in policy impact but only 6.1 in leadership. CEOs were split on Shaw’s influence, with some praising his proposals for wage‑growth and public‑sector investment, while others felt his policy platform lacked the specificity needed for clear business planning. In contrast, the National Party’s leader, Judith Collins, was rated significantly lower across all dimensions, with an overall score of 5.2. Respondents cited a perceived lack of direction and uncertainty over National’s economic strategy.

4. The “most influential minister”

When asked which minister’s decisions had the greatest direct impact on their business, the results were surprising. While many expected the Finance Minister to take the lead, the top spot actually went to Minister of Business, Innovation & Employment Kiri Hall. Her initiatives around digital transformation and workforce training were described as “game‑changing” by 72 % of respondents.

5. Sector‑specific insights

The survey’s subsections reveal how different sectors view government leaders:

• Tech – 91 % of tech CEOs rated Robertson the highest, praising the “Tech NZ” initiative.
• Manufacturing – 86 % of manufacturers appreciated Hall’s focus on skills development.
• Finance – Banks and fintech firms applauded Robertson’s regulatory clarity but were wary of the “digital‑banking tax”.
• Energy – CEOs in renewable‑energy saw Hall’s incentives as the most positive factor.

What the results mean for policy makers

The Herald’s analysis frames the survey as a “policy barometer.” “If the business community is to be a stable partner in economic growth, they need to trust that their leaders will act with clarity and foresight,” said business‑policy analyst Kate McAllister of the NZBRT. She noted that the survey’s findings mirror those of a 2022 report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, which found that executive confidence in the government fell from 70 % in 2020 to 58 % in 2023.

The piece also stresses that the data is a call to action for all parties. It points out that:

• Clear communication is as crucial as policy effectiveness.
• Stakeholder engagement – CEOs call for regular, transparent dialogue on upcoming regulatory changes.
• Strategic vision – Policymakers must outline a consistent, long‑term economic roadmap that considers both growth and sustainability.

Links and further reading

The article links to several useful resources that provide deeper context:

1. The NZBRT’s full survey report – The detailed PDF outlines methodology and sector‑by‑sector breakdown.
2. Government press releases – Including the recent “Growth‑First” policy documents.
3. Previous Mood of the Boardroom surveys – Showing trends over the last decade, illustrating the increasing business‑government gap.
4. A video interview with Finance Minister Grant Robertson – Discussing how he intends to address CEO concerns.

These links allow readers to verify data and understand the policy environment that informs the executives’ opinions.

Final thoughts

The Mood of the Boardroom article does more than just rank ministers; it paints a vivid picture of how the business community perceives and reacts to policy decisions. It highlights a shift in expectations: business leaders now view themselves not merely as customers of the government but as active partners who demand accountability, clear communication, and a coherent strategy. For the New Zealand government, the message is unmistakable: the path to sustained economic success lies in listening to the voices at the helm of the country’s enterprises and turning their concerns into actionable policy.