Articles tagged with Inflation

New Zealand to Launch Monthly Inflation Data Reporting from July 2027

1 week ago | 196 views

New Zealand will begin releasing monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) data from July 2027, providing more timely inflation information alongside the existing quarterly reports to enhance economic decision-making. This phased transition aims to maintain data quality and trust while offering frequent updates to households, businesses, and government agencies. Preliminary monthly reports will be published in May and June 2027, with regular monthly and quarterly CPI releases starting in August 2027.

Tags: Scott Simpson Statistics Minister New Zealand Consumers Price Index CPI Stats NZ Reserve Bank inflation data economic statistics monthly CPI

NZ Inflation Hits 4.1% Due to Oil Price Surge; Govt Emphasizes Fiscal Discipline

2 weeks ago | 213 views

Today’s inflation rate of 4.1% is largely driven by a global oil price shock, with petrol and diesel prices rising significantly, while core inflation remains within the Reserve Bank's target range. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes the Government’s prudent response, including targeted support for those most affected by fuel costs and maintaining fiscal discipline to avoid exacerbating inflation. Despite global volatility, New Zealand’s economy is projected to grow steadily with job creation and wages outpacing inflation, supporting long-term affordability and resilience.

Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister Stats NZ Consumers Price Index inflation petrol prices diesel prices Reserve Bank New Zealand Government Middle East conflict

NZ Government Accounts Show Stronger Economy with Higher Revenue and Lower Deficit

1 month ago | 350 views

The latest government accounts reveal stronger-than-expected core Crown revenue and lower expenses, indicating an improving economy. Corporate tax revenue rose by $700 million, reflecting increased business profitability, and the deficit was $3 billion lower than forecast. Despite recent challenges like the Middle East conflict, economic indicators such as falling oil prices, rising business confidence, and increased exports suggest the economy is regaining momentum.

Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister New Zealand government accounts economy Crown revenue corporate tax OBEGALx Middle East conflict inflation expectations

Government to Boost NZ Superannuation Fund Contributions to $3.1 Billion by 2030

2 months ago | 475 views

The New Zealand Government plans to contribute $3.1 billion to the Superannuation Fund over the next four years, an increase of $2.2 billion due to updated population and inflation forecasts. The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation have lowered their expected long-term returns from 7.8% to 7.2%, reflecting anticipated weaker global equity market performance. Contributions will continue until 2054, with superannuation costs projected to rise from $24.7 billion to $31.2 billion by 2029/30 as the population ages.

Tags: New Zealand Superannuation Fund Nicola Willis Government contributions Super Fund Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation Treasury Budget forecasts inflation forecasts population projections Finance Minister

Moody’s Downgrades NZ Outlook to Negative: Finance Minister Urges Fiscal Discipline

3 months ago | 576 views

Moody’s downgrade of New Zealand’s Aaa outlook to negative highlights the need for disciplined spending, balanced budgets, and debt reduction to avoid higher borrowing costs and economic pressure on families. Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes that temporary, targeted support is crucial amid global uncertainties, warning against excessive borrowing that would increase debt servicing costs and reduce funding for essential public services. Despite the outlook change, New Zealand maintains its top credit rating due to its resilient economy and fiscal discipline, with economic growth seen as key to improving the outlook and supporting prosperity.

Tags: Moody’s New Zealand Nicola Willis Aaa rating fuel crisis economic growth debt servicing inflation fiscal discipline Middle East conflict

New Zealand Economy Grows 0.2% in Q4 2025, Strong Start to 2026

4 months ago | 1003 views

Economic data shows New Zealand's economy grew by 0.2% in the December quarter, with a 1.1% increase in the second half of 2025 after a flat first half. Finance Minister Nicola Willis notes that despite volatility and challenges like high inflation and interest rates, the economy is now in a stronger position. Although the recent Middle East conflict will affect growth, forecasts still predict continued economic expansion in 2026 under realistic scenarios.

Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister New Zealand GDP Stats NZ economy growth inflation interest rates Middle East conflict economic forecast

NZ Economy Shows Growth in Late 2025 Despite Global Uncertainties

4 months ago | 800 views

Economic data shows New Zealand's economy grew by 0.2% in the December quarter, with a 1.1% increase in the second half of 2025 after a flat first half. Finance Minister Nicola Willis notes that despite volatility and recent Middle East conflicts, the economy is starting from a stronger position than in previous years. While the conflict may impact growth, forecasts still predict continued economic growth in 2026 under realistic scenarios.

Tags: Nicola Willis Finance Minister Stats NZ Gross Domestic Product New Zealand economy economic growth inflation interest rates Middle East conflict economic forecast

New Zealand 2026 General Election Set for November 7, PM Luxon Announces

6 months ago | 1075 views

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon announced the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday, 7 November, providing certainty to New Zealanders and emphasizing the government's ongoing commitment to economic management and improving public services. He highlighted achievements such as reduced inflation, increased business confidence, improved law and order, and better educational outcomes under the National-led Government. The election timeline includes Parliament rising on 24 September, dissolution on 1 October, nominations closing on 8 October, advance voting starting 26 October, and writ return by 3 December.

Tags: Christopher Luxon New Zealand 2026 General Election Prime Minister National Party Free Trade Agreement India inflation law and order

NZ Government Commits to Fiscal Discipline with Surplus Target by 2029

7 months ago | 1076 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis emphasizes the need for continued fiscal discipline to restore New Zealand’s budget surplus and reduce debt, despite Treasury’s forecast of a strong economic recovery with 3% growth and low inflation. The government aims for a surplus by 2028/29 through a medium-term fiscal consolidation strategy, maintaining tight control over discretionary spending and limiting operating allowances to $2.4 billion next year. Priorities include health, education, defence, and law and order, with new funding to come from savings and reprioritisation, ensuring the country remains fiscally responsible compared to other advanced economies.

Tags: Nicola Willis New Zealand Treasury Budget OBEGALx fiscal discipline economic recovery debt inflation government

New Zealand Minimum Wage to Rise 2% to $23.95 from April 2026

7 months ago | 3808 views

The adult minimum wage in New Zealand will increase by 2% to $23.95 per hour from 1 April 2026, benefiting around 122,500 workers while balancing cost-of-living pressures and business costs. The government aims to moderate wage increases to address wage compression and support youth employment, with starting-out and training wages set at 80% of the adult rate. This change reflects the NZ First-National coalition’s commitment to responsible economic management, boosting incomes, and fostering job opportunities.

Tags: Brooke van Velden NZ First National coalition New Zealand minimum wage Workplace Relations and Safety youth unemployment wage compression Ministry of Business Innovation & Employment inflation

Reserve Bank Cuts OCR Again to 2.25%, Boosting Kiwi Economy in 2026

8 months ago | 1064 views

The Reserve Bank has lowered the Official Cash Rate to 2.25%, marking the ninth reduction since July 2024, which is boosting economic activity and supporting forecasts of falling inflation and rising growth. This easing of rates is benefiting households by increasing mortgage renewal opportunities and enabling more Kiwis to purchase their first homes, with 23,600 first-time buyers in the past year. Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights that these positive economic trends offer hope and improved financial choices for New Zealand families and businesses.

Tags: Nicola Willis Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate OCR New Zealand inflation economic growth mortgage lending first home buyers Kiwi families

Finance Minister Pleased with Inflation Remaining in Reserve Bank's Target Range

9 months ago | 879 views

Acting Finance Minister Chris Bishop welcomes latest figures showing inflation within Reserve Bank's target range, with annual CPI inflation rising from 2.7% to 3% in the year to September 2025. Expectations are for inflation to decline towards 2% in the first half of next year, easing pressure on households and businesses. Top contributors to the annual increase were electricity (up 11.3%) and local authority rates and payments (up 8.8%), emphasizing the need for increased electricity supply and competition and the impact of local government rates on New Zealanders' finances.

Tags: Chris Bishop Stats NZ Reserve Bank inflation CPI government households businesses electricity local authority

Finance Minister Hails OCR Cut, Easing Pressure on Kiwi Households and Businesses

10 months ago | 784 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis highlights the positive impact of the 50 basis point Official Cash Rate reduction on Kiwi households and businesses, easing financial pressure. The reduction in OCR will lead to lower interest rates for mortgage-holders and businesses, stimulating growth and investment. The Government's focus on responsible economic management, along with lower interest rates, aims to support recovery and drive policies for job and income growth to benefit all New Zealanders.

Tags: Official Cash Rate Kiwi households Finance Minister Nicola Willis monetary policy interest rates growth jobs investment inflation

New Zealand's Gender Pay Gap Shrinks to 5.2% - Historic Low

11 months ago | 1225 views

New Zealand's gender pay gap decreased from 8.2% to 5.2% in the June 2025 quarter, the lowest since data collection began in 1998, as reported by Stats NZ. Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, hailed the improvement as positive news for women in the country. The government is dedicated to economic growth, with efforts to reduce pay gaps, increase wages, and create more job opportunities, though challenges persist in addressing ethnic pay gaps.

Tags: New Zealand gender pay gap Stats NZ Nicola Grigg Minister for Women wages inflation interest rates economic empowerment ethnic groups

Finance Minister Nicola Willis Reacts to Lower Than Forecast Unemployment Rates

12 months ago | 1362 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis has acknowledged the latest labour market data, revealing a lower-than-expected unemployment rate of 5.2% for the June quarter, below the Treasury's forecast of 5.4%. Despite challenges like inflation and rising interest rates, the government's efforts have led to 8,000 fewer unemployed individuals than initially projected, with a focus on economic recovery and job creation through initiatives like government-funded construction projects and investment incentives. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in average hourly earnings by 4.5% in the past year, surpassing the inflation rate of 2.7%.

Tags: labour market unemployment Finance Minister Nicola Willis Stats NZ Treasury forecast economic management inflation interest rates job creation