Reinventing New Zealand

Key findings for New Zealand from the 24th CEO Survey

PwC’s 24th CEO Survey explores the views of New Zealand CEOs as they look to rebuild following the impact of COVID-19. We find an improved outlook among business leaders, increased investment in sustainability and digital transformation, growing M&A activity and a reassessment of risk tolerance.

Hear from PwC experts about the main themes emerging from this year’s survey and their recommendations for New Zealand business.

Explore our report

One year on from the first COVID-19 induced lockdown in New Zealand and, despite the most recent Alert Level 3 lockdowns in Auckland, the country finds itself in a situation that is better than expected. We have seen the public health crisis contained and stronger than predicted economic resilience. But, what are New Zealand CEOs thinking about the year ahead?

Mark Averill, PwC New Zealand CEO & Senior Partner, outlines the survey’s topline findings and highlights key areas of focus for the year ahead.

What’s on the mind of New Zealand’s CEOs?

%

are confident about revenue growth in their own organisations

%

expect to increase headcount

%

believe global economic growth will improve

Find out more about the key challenges and opportunities for CEOs below.

Climate change and sustainability

Climate change and sustainability remain firmly on the CEO agenda. Although only 27% of CEOs are ‘extremely concerned’ about climate change and environmental damage compared to 42% in 2020, other data points suggest these issues are still pressing.

70% of New Zealand CEOs say they are planning to increase long-term investment in sustainability and ESG initiatives.

Sustainability and Climate Change Lead Partner Annabell Chartres outlines the new obligations for business and reveals the opportunities ahead.

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Digital transformation

81% of New Zealand business leaders are planning to increase long-term investment in digital transformation following the pandemic.

Tracy Taylor, Consulting Markets & Alliances Lead Partner describes how the digital transformation landscape has changed over the last year.

She covers where businesses need to focus their transformation efforts and considers the role the Government has to play.

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Risk

New Zealand business leaders are reassessing their tolerance for risk with 91% saying they are rethinking their approach.

Internal Audit, Risk & Compliance Lead Partner, Lara Hillier outlines how risk conversations have changed after the impact of COVID-19.

She suggests the discussions need to be broadened further. Emerging risks - the ones beyond the strategic planning horizon - must be on the radar and fully understood.

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M&A activity

M&A activity around the globe is on the rise and New Zealand is no different.

The survey findings show 38% of CEOs are looking to pursue M&A activity to drive growth this year compared to 26% in 2020 - a noteworthy jump.

Karl Dwight, M&A Lead Partner, talks about how the ‘deals-led recovery’ is playing out in New Zealand and how buyers and investors are navigating border closures and travel restrictions.

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Infrastructure

The need for quality infrastructure development in New Zealand has long been a topic of conversation.

And, it remains an issue for local CEOs with 63% saying they are concerned about the country’s inadequate basic infrastructure.

Property, Infrastructure and Capital Lead Partner, Carl Blanchard, discusses what’s happening in the sector right now and the benefits of pricing signals in deciding what infrastructure we need.

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