How wars in the Middle East affect New Zealand’s economy – Nathan Peres

Opinion byDr Nathan PeresNZ Herald·29 Oct, 2026 02:00 AM5 mins to readDr Nathan Peres is a senior fellow at The New Zealand Initiative.New Zealand's isolation offers no protection from war-driven price rises. Photo / Getty ImagesNew Zealand's isolation offers no protection from war-driven price rises. Photo / Getty ImagesWhether you fill your tank, book a flight or pay for groceries, the rising costs stem from a war in which this country is not involved. Since the Gulf conflict broke out on February 28, Iran has largely choked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. From January