Survey keeps NZ economy the third freest in world

New Zealand retained its spot as the third freest economy in the world after Hong Kong and Singapore, according to a survey released this week.

But the Asia-Pacific region became less economically free in the past year despite having the three freest nations. Sixteen Asia-Pacific countries lost ground, 11 others improved while three remained the same according the "Index of Economic Freedom", published annually by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal.