Economic outlook - what's ahead for business in 2026?

 

 

Date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Time: 9:00am - 9:45am 

Format: Presentation followed by audience Q&A. 

Economic outlook – what’s ahead for business in 2026? 

With shifting interest rates, ongoing inflation pressures, and global trends reshaping demand, the year ahead is set to bring both challenges and opportunities for businesses across New Zealand.

To help you make sense of it all, Westpac Senior Economist Satish Ranchhod will break down key forces likely to shape the economic landscape. Hosted by Westpac's Head of Business and Virtual Banking, Cat Feaunati this Westpac Smarts webinar will give you the clarity and context you need to navigate the year ahead - whether you’re developing strategy, managing risk, setting budgets, or weighing up future investment decisions.

Introducing our speakers. 

 

 

Satish Ranchhod | Westpac Senior Economist

Originally from Whanganui, Satish has worked as an economist for over 20 years and is one of New Zealand’s leading inflation analysts. He led the Reserve Bank’s analysis of the Canterbury earthquakes and its monitoring of the global economy during the financial crisis.

Since joining Westpac in 2014, he’s worked on some of the major challenges our economy faces, including the pressures on household budgets and issues related to the supply of housing. In those rare moments when the economy is stable, Satish is a film buff and grows chilies.

 

Cat Feaunati | Westpac NZ Head of Business and Virtual Banking 

Cat Feaunati is the Head of Business & Virtual Banking at Westpac New Zealand. Since joining Westpac in 2010, she has held a variety of leadership roles across both business and consumer banking. Cat brings extensive banking experience from New Zealand and the UK, with deep technical expertise and a strong passion for supporting customers.

In her current role, Cat leads the newly established Business & Virtual Banking team, which brings together Business Banking, Contact Centre teams, and the Virtual Home Lending function. She is focused on delivering exceptional customer experiences and shaping the future of Westpac’s virtual and business banking channels.

Previous Webinars


Our Westpac team have facilitated great conversations over the past couple of years. If you're interested in viewing some of these recordings, click below to view our archives.