5 Apr 2023

Surprise rate hike to 5.25% as RBNZ seeks to halt inflation

From Checkpoint, 5:07 pm on 5 April 2023

Reining in inflation is coming at a cost for the average New Zealander with a mortgage, critics say.

The Reserve Bank has surprised with a 50 basis point rise in the official cash rate to 5.25 percent, but left it vague about future possible tightening.

The increase was larger than expected as the bank said inflation remained too high and the labour market too stretched.

Amy Williams reports.