New Zealand Government Debt to GDP — 2026 Data & Trend
New Zealand's government debt was 51.99% in December 2024, up from 49.88% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 49.88%.
New Zealand's government debt stands at 51.99% as of December 2024. The government debt currently sits at 51.99% (up from 49.88% in the prior year). Across the tracked window it has ranged between 31.87% and 53.92%, and is 2.11% higher than a year ago.
The trend
Among the 121 economies tracked on this platform, New Zealand ranks #63 on government debt by latest value. It rose from 49.88% in the previous year, and compares with a year-earlier 49.88%.
What's driving it
The debt ratio moves with budget deficits, growth, interest costs and the currency; faster nominal growth lowers it, while wide deficits push it up.
Recent readings
| Period | Government debt |
|---|---|
| Dec 2024 | 51.99% |
| Dec 2023 | 49.88% |
| Dec 2022 | 53.92% |
| Dec 2021 | 51.36% |
| Dec 2020 | 45.67% |
| Dec 2019 | 32.76% |
| Dec 2018 | 36.65% |
| Dec 2017 | 38.66% |
Data: The World Bank — World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0) Figures carry an effective date; confirm with the source before relying on them.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Government Debt Does New Zealand Have in 2026?
New Zealand's government debt was 51.99% in December 2024, up from 49.88% the previous year. A year earlier it stood at 49.88%.
Is the government debt rising or falling in New Zealand?
It rose in the latest reading — 51.99% in December 2024 versus 49.88% a year earlier. Year on year it is higher.
What is government debt?
It measures total public debt expressed as a share of gross domestic product (debt-to-GDP).