NZ consumer prices rise 0.3 percent in 1Q on tobacco tax hike, more expensive housing

NZ consumer prices rise 0.3 percent in 1Q on tobacco tax hike, more expensive housing
By Paul McBeth April 16 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand consumer prices rose less than expected in the first quarter as a hike in tobacco taxes and more expensive housing were offset by cheaper international holidays and in-season vegetables. The kiwi dollar dropped on the data. The consumers price index rose 0.3 percent in the three months ended March 31, accelerating from a quarterly rate of 0.1 percent in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to Statistics New Zealand. That was slower than the 0.5 percent pace predicted by the Reserve Bank an...