The noise around insolvencies and business failures has been loud this month but the data tells a very different story. CreditWorks’ September Insights reveal a market that is steadying, not slipping. Growth is returning, confidence is rising, and disciplined credit management is paying off.
Here are the key takeaways from this month’s data
1. Sales momentum is back
Trade sectors are lifting again with building, plumbing, and manufacturing up between 4 percent and 8 percent. Confidence is creeping back as businesses adapt to higher costs and tighter lending conditions.
2. Credit confidence is rising
Total trade debt is up 4.2 percent year on year. Suppliers are extending credit more freely, supported by stronger control and improved debtor management.
3. Arrears are under control
Both 60 day and 90 day delinquency rates improved through September, reaching their lowest levels in 2025. This points to sharper follow ups and stronger discipline across industries.
4. Insolvencies are a correction not a crisis
Most liquidations reflect legacy weaknesses, not new shocks. The rise is being driven by the IRD tightening enforcement, not by widespread business failure.
The picture is clear. New Zealand’s business environment is recalibrating. Strong operators with good data and tight credit discipline are thriving while weaker links are being filtered out.
For the full story including sector by sector detail and regional analysis read the CreditWorks September Insights Report and see how your industry compares.
CreditWorks Group provides extensive, real-time credit data and historical insights, helping businesses understand the deeper credit risks and payment behaviours of their customers. Our secure and comprehensive services ensure that companies can make informed decisions based on a complete picture. Discuss with us today how we can help you with comprehensive credit reporting and monitoring of your customers.
Please note that due to the vast amount of data required to produce these reports, most of which is accessed from a multitude of external sources, there is an inevitable time delay in their generation. However we prefer to defer their publication in favour of ensuring greater accuracy.