New Zealand's international credit rating has hit a tipping point, and economists have raised concerns.

Back in March, Fitch Ratings placed New Zealand’s AA+ long-term credit rating on a 'negative outlook', downgraded from 'stable'. 

Moody's later followed suit, claiming the global economic and political uncertainty presented downside risks to growth.

Fitch's Head of Asia-Pacific Sovereigns, Thomas Rookmaaker, says this was driven by a number of factors, including the Middle East conflict and Government debt. 

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