In 2025, general government expenditure as a share of GDP in New Zealand was 41.6 %, down from 41.7 % in 2024. Explore the historical series and compare New Zealand with other economies below.
Government expenditure (% of GDP)
Total expenditure of the general government
New Zealand
Year
%
2025
41.6
2024
41.7
2023
41.0
2022
41.7
2021
41.8
2020
41.9
2019
38.7
2018
36.1
2017
35.6
2016
36.4
2015
37.2
2014
37.6
2013
38.6
2012
39.7
2011
42.3
2010
42.9
2009
40.3
2008
38.4
2007
37.0
2006
37.8
2005
37.1
2004
36.1
2003
36.6
2002
36.7
2001
37.2
2000
38.2
How New Zealand compares
Government expenditure (% of GDP) compared with other countries
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Government expenditure (% of GDP)
About this indicator
This indicator measures general government total expenditure as a percentage of GDP. It captures all spending by the consolidated public sector in a given year, including wages and social benefits, interest payments, subsidies, transfers, and net acquisition of nonfinancial assets. Comparing expenditure-to-GDP ratios across countries shows the size of government relative to the economy. A higher ratio means the public sector accounts for a larger share of economic activity. The series follows the IMF World Economic Outlook definition of government expenditure, under the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM) framework.
Sources and updates
Data sources
The data for this indicator are drawn from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Last update
This indicator was last updated on Econorama on 18 June 2026 and reflects the latest data available from the underlying sources at that time.