Remember the reasons for RBNZ independence

Remember the reasons for RBNZ independence
Gareth Kiernan
Those people calling for an end to the Reserve Bank’s independence must have forgotten, or be too young to remember, the bad old days when monetary policy was little more than an enabler for fiscal pump-priming. Things came to a head during the 1970s and 1980s, when Robert Muldoon’s dual role as the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance led to dubious economic policies.Having concluded that “most people wouldn’t recognise a budget deficit if they fell over it,” Muldoon was happy to announce significant govern...

More Economy

NZX-listed companies take stock in wake of US tariff moves
Economy

NZX-listed companies take stock in wake of US tariff moves

Wine makers, manufacturers and others mull what trade wars will bring.

Analysts struggle to find upside from Trump tariffs
Economy

Analysts struggle to find upside from Trump tariffs

‘They've forgotten the lessons of the Great Depression,’ one analyst said.

NZ goods to face 10% tariff to access US market
Economy

NZ goods to face 10% tariff to access US market

NZ dollar remains steady after announcement. 

What Willis was told ahead of Orr’s shock resignation
Economy

What Willis was told ahead of Orr’s shock resignation

Documents released under the OIA shed some light on what happened.

Staff reporters 02 Apr 2025