The Government's prudent and responsible financial management has been acknowledged by the credit rating agency Fitch, Finance Minister, Grant Robertson said today. Fitch affirmed New Zealand's long term foreign and local currency ratings at AA+ with a stable outlook. It follows Moody's annual credit analysis affirming a stable outlook on New Zealand's local currency and foreign currency ratings at Aaa. "This is further endorsement of the Government's financial and economic management in a difficult and uncertain global environment," Minister Robertson said. "Fitch praised the Government's fiscal policies, saying the rating reflected the Government's robust governance standards and policy framework and our commitment to return to surplus, and lower debt in the medium term. Our net debt as a percentage of GDP remains lower than many of our international peers.