Inflation
Higher inflation and a weaker dollar? Could a left-leaning Government spook markets?
One expert is ringing the alarm bells, another is more concerned about the global picture.
Latest from Inflation
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
'Disappointing': Fuel price surge delivers another blow to retail sector
Hospitality spending fell 2.3%, while fuel spending rose 2.9%, Stats NZ figures show.
Labour's living wage pledge could 'end in tears', economist warns
Hiking wages without lifting productivity risks causing inflation to spike.
Please, Mr Trump: Fresh petrol pump pain threatens our fragile recovery
OPINION: Petrol prices have risen about 20% since the start of September.
Latest fuel price surge dents business confidence - ANZ survey
Retail fuel prices have risen 22% in the past month, putting pressure on the recovery.
New Zealand has never been this divided ... is that our economic problem?
OPINION: For many voters, the economic recovery remains theoretical.
New member appointed to powerful Reserve Bank committee that sets the OCR
Election gets in the way of a longer-term appointment being made.
Vulnerabilities that saw the Reserve Bank make mistakes during the pandemic still exist – review
Independent reviewers recommend how to improve monetary policymaking.
Mortgage pain: NZ’s biggest bank changes call, picks more rate hikes
Sharon Zollner says oil prices, a weaker dollar and growth drove the call.
Food prices rise 1.9% annually as restaurant meals lead increases
Fuel prices and international also rose again last month.
Reserve Bank assistant governor resigns before the end of her term
Two vacancies now need filling on the powerful committee that sets the OCR.
Weight-loss drugs v AI: Which one will reshape the economy first
OPINION: AI promises huge gains, but its economic impact remains uncertain.
Economists say the recovery has resumed ... do you believe them?
OPINION: Pessimistic households could delay the spending needed to sustain recovery.
Savers keep waiting as OCR hike unlikely to push fixed interest rates much higher
Meanwhile, mortgage rate hikes have largely been priced in.
Govt using the credit card for the groceries – when will it be forced to stop?
The bond vigilantes are watching.
Reserve Bank defends OCR hike amid warnings it could stall recovery
The Reserve Bank has lifted the OCR to 2.75% despite job market concerns.
If it ain't broke, don't fix it: Why Labour should leave the Reserve Bank alone
Reinstating the dual mandate risks worsening the cost of living.
Global ratings agency S&P lifts outlook for NZ economy
Growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027 have risen to 2.4% and 2.5%.
Is New Zealand waiting for an economic recovery that is never coming?
Businesses may need to adapt to a higher-inflation environment.
'It’s been hard going' - Nicola Willis as unemployment rises to 5.6%
New labour market data shows more people are out of work.
Reserve Bank weighs temporary appointment for powerful OCR committee
Governor Anna Breman takes stock of her first eight months on the job.
Rising again: Unemployment rate expected to land higher this week
Job vacancies have recovered from lows but remain below pre-Covid levels.
It's too late for the economy to save National now
OPINION: The economic recovery has stuttered too much to lift the voter mood by November.
Brad Olsen steps down as Infometrics chief executive
Olsen has been chief executive of economics consultancy Infometrics since February 2023.
Business confidence rebounds as firms hope for lower inflation
The ANZ Business Outlook survey shows confidence rose 19 points in July.
Willis rejects Reserve Bank bid to roll over underspend
The move would have lifted its 2026/27 budget to $159m.