Articles tagged with Ocr

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

4 weeks ago | 170 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

Defending Democracy: The Role of Courts in Upholding the People's Voice

2 months ago | 288 views

The speech delivered in the Oxford Union debate argues that courts are undermining democracy due to judicial overreach and challenges to popular will. It emphasizes the importance of democratic principles, separation of powers, and judicial independence in upholding the people's voice in governance. The speaker highlights concerns about judicial activism and the need for prudential leadership to ensure that laws are made by elected representatives, emphasizing the role of parliament as the voice of the people and the importance of defending democracy against current threats.

Tags: Democracy Courts Judicial Overreach Separation of Powers Leadership Judicial Independence New Zealand Parliament Aristotle Winston Churchill

Remembering Jim Bolger: A Legacy of Family, Leadership, and National Identity

2 months ago | 239 views

Jim Bolger's passing is acknowledged with thoughts and condolences for his family. He was a proud Irish Catholic man who valued family and history. Bolger's political career, marked by serving as Prime Minister and advocating for national identity, is recognized.

Tags: Jim Bolger Joan Bolger family Prime Minister New Zealand Irish ancestry Te Kūiti farmer history democratic discussion MMP government

Remembering the Legacy of Jim Bolger: New Zealand's Former Prime Minister

2 months ago | 266 views

Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jim Bolger has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and reform that shaped the nation. Born in Taranaki to Irish immigrant parents, his values of hard work and determination defined his character and leadership style. Bolger served in Parliament for over three decades, leading the country through economic modernization and electoral reforms during his time as Prime Minister from 1990 to 1997.

Tags: Jim Bolger New Zealand Prime Minister leader legacy politician reformer democracy service passing

Challenges of Political Leadership in the Global Arena

2 months ago | 284 views

The speech emphasizes the importance of political leadership in addressing international challenges, restoring trust in institutions, and navigating the changing global order. New Zealand expresses concern over humanitarian crises in various countries and advocates for bold reforms within the United Nations. The government deliberates on the recognition of Palestinian statehood, highlighting the complexities of the situation and the need for conducive conditions for peace negotiations.

Tags: Madam President New Zealand United Nations Security Council Anwar Sadat Gaza Ukraine Democratic Republic of Congo Syria Sudan

Finance Minister Appoints Hayley Gourley to Reserve Bank's Monetary Policy Committee

3 months ago | 305 views

Finance Minister Nicola Willis appointed Hayley Gourley to the Reserve Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), responsible for setting the Official Cash Rate (OCR) in New Zealand. Gourley's diverse experience in corporate, rural, and financial sectors will enhance the Committee's discussions, following the recommendation of the Reserve Bank's Board. She will succeed Professor Bob Buckle on 1 October 2025, who will retire at the end of September after making significant contributions to the MPC.

Tags: Finance Minister Nicola Willis Hayley Gourley Reserve Bank Monetary Policy Committee Official Cash Rate OCR New Zealand agribusinesses Professor Bob Buckle

Major Transport Reforms in Auckland to Enhance Accountability and Governance

3 months ago | 445 views

Significant transport reforms in Auckland since 2010 aim to enhance democratic accountability and empower Aucklanders to influence transport policies, as stated by Transport Minister Chris Bishop, Auckland Minister Simeon Brown, and Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown. The reforms involve shifting most transport functions from Auckland Transport to Auckland Council, establishing the Auckland Regional Transport Committee to create a 30-year transport plan, and granting local boards new powers for local road decisions. The changes, set to be in place by September 2026, prioritize public input, efficient governance, and improved transport outcomes for Auckland.

Tags: transport reforms Auckland democratic accountability elected representatives governance Auckland Transport Auckland Council Minister Chris Bishop Minister Simeon Brown Mayor Wayne Brown

Challenging the Status Quo: The Impact of Regulatory Growth on Society

4 months ago | 442 views

The speaker expresses skepticism towards the theme of the conference, "Regulation 2025 to 2050: Disruption, Change, and Continuity," highlighting the negative impact of regulatory growth on resources, project viability, and culture. They discuss the need for regulatory reform in New Zealand, emphasizing the importance of addressing housing affordability and productivity challenges. The speaker advocates for greater public scrutiny of regulatory initiatives to ensure cost-effective benefits and urges a shift towards more efficient and transparent regulatory practices.

Tags: Regulation Change Continuity Public Choice Economics Housing Democracy Regulatory Failure Productivity Paradox Public Choice Origins

New Zealand’s Stable Economy: Government’s Fiscal Management Keeps Official Cash Rate Low

5 months ago | 1062 views

The Government’s responsible fiscal management has supported the Reserve Bank to keep the Official Cash Rate low, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand today announced it would keep the Official Cash Rate (OCR) at 3. 25 per cent while continuing to foreshadow further reductions in the OCR.

Tags: Government fiscal management Reserve Bank Official Cash Rate Finance Minister Nicola Willis New Zealand OCR interest rates economic management

Medallic recognition for NZDF personnel extended

6 months ago | 1099 views

The Government has expanded the criteria for medallic recognition for Defence personnel who have served in operations supporting the UN’s sanctions against North Korea, Defence Minister Judith Collins announced today. “This medal – the New Zealand General Service Medal (NZGSM) 2002 (Korea) – has already been awarded to 180 personnel and the move to widen eligibility means a further 350 personnel will be recognised,” Ms Collins says. “Personnel who have served as part of Operation Whio – which monitors the United Nations Security Council’s sanctions against the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea - since 2018 are now eligible for this medal.

Tags: 3k2 orion Aotearoa Collins Defence Defence force Democratic people ’ s republic of korea Judith collins Korean armistice agreement New zealand general service medal North korea Operation whio P - 8a poseidon United nations command United nations security council