Primer #1 for 2026: A political economy in stall mode

2025's 'year of growth, growth, growth' failed & administered inflation reduced mortgage rate cuts. Now, Luxon hopes economic green shoots & a weak Opposition will be enough to win re-election in 2026

Luxon promised year of ‘growth, growth, growth’ failed to fire, and he remains the least popular elected leader in our political history at this point in a first term. Photo: Lynn Grieveson / The Kākā

Here’s the first of six primers for the election year ahead, with one each day of this first week back, including:

1. Monday (Today below) - #1 The Economy: PM…