Perriams Pacesetter — 28 September 2026

Every Monday we post some thoughts in our Perriams Pacesetter, containing fresh thoughts for the week, the weekend just gone, and a bit of left field. Click below to read.

SPOTLIGHT

NZ Rugby is facing some unpalatable choices.

What are they going to do about Super Rugby, the NPC and the other domestic competitions?

Do you have the answer? Well, we’re not sure the powers that be do, either.

All we do know is that NZ Rugby is bleeding money.

Not much hope then for the local rugby club. 🙁

TOPICAL

We continually read about (and observe) the nursing shortage in NZ. However, if you look at other countries the situation is pretty much the same.

Even in a country like Sweden whichgenerally ticks all boxes on any economic scale, has a nursing shortage.

OF INTEREST

How much demand is there for the new weight loss drugs?

Well,here’s a hint.

People have been known to strap on ankle weights when visiting the doctor to record a heavier weight and secure a weight loss drug prescription.

SPORTIFY

What a scandal?

Manchester City is facing expulsion from the English Premier League for breaching 114 financial rules, out of 115.

They’ll be plenty of Manchester City supporters reading this, but for you supporters, if the verdict is upheld, it’s going to raise questions over the 20 trophies that the club has won when its new owner purchased the club in 2008.

OPINION

Numerous talks over the last week set to continue on the break-up of our supermarket duopoly.

Yes, it’s a problem, but is it a major one?

Doesn’t this overlook the other real problems we have with health, infrastructure, productivity, government spending and let’s not forget, our accumulating debt mountain.

AI

Well, it’s here now and so is AI anxiety. Apparently,it’sa real condition according to therapists.

You can now be diagnosed as having feelings of apprehension or fear tied to the accelerated development of AI technologies.

What next? 🙂

TAX TALK

On 30/6/25 the IRD was owed $3.3 billion in outstanding GST debt. So, what’s this sitting at as at 30/6/26? A lot more.

Many businesses are simply using their GST for their own cash-flow problems.

Is it time to look at a different angle of collecting a business’s GST debt? Giventhat the IRD have the power/ability to take it directly out of the business’s bank alc?

What do you think about this approach?

THE MARKETS

The 2026 election campaign has not got off to a good start for NZ businesses — or for our country. National, Labour, the Greens and NZ First have each made dangerous promises to intervene in private business.

So far, this includes supermarket ownership, retirement village contracts, the price of food, commercial leases and possibly more to come.

So, should the parties butt out of business? 🙂

OCR 2.5% ↑ July 2026 CPI 4.1% ↑ June 2026 Unemployment 5.3% ↓ March 2026 House Price Movement 2.3% ↑ July 2024 Rent Price Movement 4.3% ↑ July 2024

Only 87 days to go until Christmas!

PERRIAMS POWER RANKINGS – 28 September 2026

1. Goes to our Black Ferns with what could have been played out as 19-all draw against England. They went for it under their own line to mount a counterattack on what was full-time. But it wasn’t meant to be, with England stealing an intercept and coming out winners.

But we will take a draw. “Sort of” 🙂

2. The Ranfurly Shield is on the move again, and now to Counties it goes, who have only ever held it twice before. As to whether it will invite as much local fan and supporterengagement than Northland, we are not sure as Pukekohe is just about joined to Auckland.

Nevertheless, it’s got a new home for the week at least and well done to the Counties.

The Tab had Northland at $1.55 and Counties at $9 plus so if you were a Counties supporter and put some money on the game it will be smiles all round for you.

3. And just when you thought the Wahs were off our Top 3 Power Rankings — well they nearly are, but there’s one question that remains.

How are we to judge their year? Because it just wasn’t “their year”.