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

Kiwi Property Group's interim profit lower as write-downs bite
Economy

Kiwi Property Group's interim profit lower as write-downs bite

The property company reiterates its full-year dividend views.

Andy Macdonald 24 Nov 2025
Penk announces compulsory building warranties
Economy

Penk announces compulsory building warranties

Under the proposed change, those responsible pay their share only.

Staff reporters 24 Nov 2025
Westpac tips ‘Turneresque’ 25bp cut but says RBNZ could still channel McCullum
Economy

Westpac tips ‘Turneresque’ 25bp cut but says RBNZ could still channel McCullum

Westpac Bank is sticking to its view the central bank will cut rates by 25 basis points next week to 2.25% but says there’s a 25% chance it will opt to be more aggressive and cut by 50bps.The key question is whether the Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee thinks it will...

Rebecca Howard 19 Nov 2025
Argosy delivers strong first-half results
Economy

Argosy delivers strong first-half results

Earnings and net tangible asset value per share up. 

Andy Macdonald 19 Nov 2025