Doug Steele, a Senior economist specializing in New Zealand's macroeconomic trends, joins Gareth Spence, Head of Australian economics at NAB, to discuss the contrasting economic paths of their countries. Doug reveals New Zealand's ongoing recession, characterized by weak GDP growth and rising unemployment, while Gareth highlights Australia's population-driven economic resilience. They delve into labor market shifts, inflation risks, and the impact of monetary policies, alongside a nuanced discussion on productivity and central bank strategies.