A new partnership deal in the ski industry aims to tap into the booming Chinese market.

NZSki and Sunac-BonSki have signed on, giving New Zealand direct access to 13.5 million active skiers in China.

NZSki CEO Paul Anderson told Mike Hosking while the New Zealanders and Australians make up the bulk of skiers, they’ve seen an increasing number of Chinese visitors to ski areas – particularly Queenstown.

He says they’re no longer the traditional bus tours of groups that came through from China, but high spending free independent travellers.

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A view the Government has to get a handle on debt, with forecasts showing the economy's now finally recovering.

BusinessNZ's Planning Forecast projects the GDP will grow at just under 3% per year to 2027.

But it warns that an ageing population's set to drive superannuation and healthcare costs to unsustainable levels, consuming all income tax revenue by the late 2040s.

Chief Economist John Pask told Mike Hosking we’re not getting back to surplus until 2028/29, and even that’s touch and go.

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There's a view that Government funding for major events is a smart investment.

The first round of events in its $70 million package has been unveiled, including the first ever concert at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium at Te Kaha next May.

Other events include Linkin Park in Auckland and the Ultra Music Festival in Wellington.

Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive Nick Hill told Mike Hosking this funding is designed to make existing events bigger.

For example, he says, the Readers and Writers Festival in Auckland is a fantastic event, but could they use the funding to make it more international?

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