More rate hikes coming as inflation hits highest in 31 years

More rate hikes coming as inflation hits highest in 31 years
The main driver for annual inflation was housing and household utilities. (Image: Deposit Photos)
Rebecca Howard
Annual inflation hit a three-decade high in the December quarter, upping the ante on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to keep lifting interest rates.The consumers price index increased 1.4% in the December quarter, taking the annual rate of inflation to 5.9%, Stats NZ said.It was the biggest annual movement since a 7.6% annual increase in the June 1990 quarter.Economists had expected annual inflation to be 5.7%, in line with the central bank’s latest forecast last November.   “This marks yet another significant lift in the...

More Economy

RBNZ says risks linked to new mortgage lending contained
Economy

RBNZ says risks linked to new mortgage lending contained

House prices near the top of RBNZ's range of sustainable estimates.

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit
Economy

‘Remarkable growth’: Fulton Hogan posts higher profit

Fulton Hogan paid a total dividend of $180.4m for 2025.

Duncan Bridgeman 05 Nov 2025
NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years
Finance

NZ's financial stability risks higher than in recent years

The RBNZ says global uncertainty and underperformance are key factors.

Staff reporters 05 Nov 2025
A blueprint to beat our economic malaise
Opinion

Peter Griffin: A blueprint to beat our economic malaise

NZ must trade talk for execution and invest in talent to escape its economic woes. 

Peter Griffin 05 Nov 2025