More than 426,000 people now 'past due'

More than 426,000 people now 'past due'
Credit card demand up almost a quarter. (Image: Getty)
Brent Melville
Vehicle loan arrears were at 6% of all active accounts last month and up by an annual 31% to a three-year high, while personal loan payment arrears were up 17% year-on-year, according to the latest data from credit bureau Centrix.It puts total consumer arrears at 426,000 people, up 12,000 month-on-month, or 11.7% of the active credit population. Reflecting increased demand for short-term lending options, Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin said credit card demand was up almost a quarter during August, while vehicle loan applications...

More Economy

Cuts done, RBNZ hike watch begins
Economy

Cuts done, RBNZ hike watch begins

Kiwi dollar gains after RBNZ, could head toward 58 US cents. 

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM
Economy

How to Be Wrong: summer reading for the PM

Advice on leading for innovation, threats to democracy, gangs, and more.

Pattrick Smellie 28 Nov 2025
RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious
Economy

RBNZ officials not against more transparency, just cautious

The key is that any changes add value, says Assistant Governor Karen Silk.

Rebecca Howard 28 Nov 2025
‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high
Economy

‘Looking up’: Recovery taking hold as business confidence hits 11-year high

Business confidence jumped another nine points from 58 to 67 in November, the highest level in 11 years, the ANZ Business Outlook survey for November shows.“Things are looking up!” said ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner.“Out of a hole, admittedly,” she added.When interpreting qu...

Staff reporters 27 Nov 2025