Nicola Willis and Ruth Richardson to debate the country's finances

Tuesday 9 December 2025 · 6 outlets · 6 reports · updated Tue 9 Dec 2025, 8:54pm

In this story National Party, Nicola Willis, Taxpayers' Union, Ruth Richardson

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has challenged former finance minister Ruth Richardson to a debate at Parliament. The challenge follows a planned Taxpayers' Union campaign targeting Willis. Richardson has agreed to the debate, which is expected to take place after next week's Half-Year Fiscal Update.

How they headlined it

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1. The Press via The PostTue 9 Dec 2025, 10:09am

   Nicola Willis challenges Ruth Richardson to debate her on ‘tolerance for human misery’ (opens in new tab)

2. RNZTue 9 Dec 2025, 10:45am

   'Anytime, anywhere': Nicola Willis challenges Ruth Richardson to debate (opens in new tab)

3. StuffTue 9 Dec 2025, 11:22am

   Mother of all debates: Willis wants finance faceoff with new nemesis Ruth Richardson (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsTue 9 Dec 2025, 11:37am

   'Anytime, anywhere': Willis challenges Richardson to debate (opens in new tab)

5. Otago Daily TimesTue 9 Dec 2025, 8:43pm

   Ruth Richardson agrees to debate Willis on NZ's finances (opens in new tab)

6. NZ HeraldTue 9 Dec 2025, 8:54pm

   Ruth Richardson agrees to debate country’s fiscal position with Nicola Willis (opens in new tab)

   Also on 1News (opens in new tab), RNZ (opens in new tab)