Westpac has slashed its New Zealand growth outlook and lifted its inflation forecasts, warning that the Iran war and higher fuel costs will weigh on households, businesses, and the housing market through 2026. Chief economist Kelly Eckhold (pictured) now expects GDP to grow just 1.9% in 2026, down from 2.8% previously, with a 0.4% contraction pencilled in for the June quarter as higher living costs and weaker consumer confidence bite. [...]