New Zealand has ranked well in the Index of economic Freedom since it was introduced in 1995. The index was created by The Heritage Foundation and The Wall Street Journal. New Zealand’s lowest ranking is sixth and it’s highest ranking is third. In 2012 New Zealand ranked fourth.
From the 2012 results The Heritage Foundation stated that “A transparent and stable business climate makes New Zealand one of the world’s friendliest environments for entrepreneurs.”
In 2012, The Heritage Foundation / The Wall Street Journal’s top 10 countries for citizens’ economic freedom were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. Switzerland
6 Canada
7. Chile
8. Mauritius
9. Ireland
10. United States
In 2010, the top 10 countries were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Australia
4. New Zealand
5. Ireland
6. Switzerland
7. Canada
8. United States
9. Denmark
10. Chile
In 2007, the top 10 countries were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Australia
4. United States
5. New Zealand
6. United Kingdom
7. Ireland
8. Luxembourg
9. Switzerland
10. Canada
In 2005, the top 10 countries were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. Luxembourg
4. Estonia
5. New Zealand
5.Ireland
7. United Kingdom
8. Denmark
8. Iceland
10. Australia
In 2004 the top 10 countries were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. New Zealand
4. Luxembourg
5. Ireland
6. Estonia
7. United Kingdom
8. Denmark
9. Switzerland
10. United States
In 2003 the top 10 countries were:
1. Hong Kong
2. Singapore
3. New Zealand
3. Luxembourg
5. Ireland
6. Denmark
6. Estonia
6. United States
9. Australia
9. United Kingdom