Find financial news and analysis across NZ and Australia.
17 results for “bnz”
New Zealand's property market is bracing for a 2% price decline in 2026, reversing earlier growth forecasts. Rising mortgage rates and record-high inventory levels are driving the shift toward a buyer's market.
New Zealand's national median property value rose slightly to $809,101 in April, but a 0.1% decline in Auckland and Wellington highlights a widening regional divide as the RBNZ maintains a hawkish stance.
While Auckland and Wellington struggle with house prices significantly below their historical peaks, Christchurch is showing remarkable resilience. Strong internal migration and solid first-home buyer demand continue to support the local Canterbury market.
A proposal to buy back the Bank of New Zealand from National Australia Bank has reignited calls for structural reform in a sector where four banks control up to 85% of the market.
New Zealand First has announced plans to automatically enrol newborns in KiwiSaver with a $1000 contribution and buy back BNZ to create a new state-owned national bank.
New Zealand's Q1 2026 employment data is set for release on May 6, with analysts forecasting an unemployment rate between 5.4% and 5.5%.
Auckland's median house price dipped 0.1% to just over $1.04 million in April 2026, contrasting with a 0.1% national increase. High inventory and looming OCR hikes continue to weigh on NZ's largest property market.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis expects banks to absorb the new NZ$209 million prudential levy, but New Zealand's concentrated financial market suggests otherwise. This editorial explores why everyday consumers, rather than highly profitable institutions, are likely to end up paying the bill.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25% after an evenly split committee vote. However, a highly hawkish forward guidance track points to multiple rate hikes starting as early as July.
New Zealand mortgage holders face rising costs over the next six to 12 months, despite the RBNZ maintaining the OCR at 2.25%. Wholesale interest rates are climbing, prompting a significant shift toward two-year fixed rates as borrowers seek repayment certainty.
New Zealand officials are monitoring fuel supplies as petrol prices rise 33.6% and diesel 94.9% following conflict in the Middle East. Global oil prices hit US$102.40 per barrel as supply chain risks grow.
The inaugural State of Competition report identifies financial and insurance services as industries with the weakest competitive pressure, highlighting a 916% rise in insurance premiums since 2000.
KiwiSaver growth funds saw a significant rebound in April 2026, with some funds returning nearly 10% following a volatile start to the year. The recovery comes as contribution rates rise to 3.5% and global markets hit record highs.
New Zealand's manufacturing sector slowed significantly in April 2026, with the PMI dropping to 50.5. Escalating costs linked to Middle East conflict are impacting supply chains and new orders.
New Zealand's housing market slowed significantly in April 2026, with national sales volumes falling 7.9% annually and the median price dropping to $775,000. Rising inventory levels and anticipated interest rate hikes are contributing to a shift in market dynamics.
New Zealand house prices are forecast to fall by 2% in 2026 as consumer confidence reaches a three-year low. Despite a marginal monthly rise in April, high inflation expectations and a retreat by property investors continue to weigh on the market.
Bank of New Zealand has reported a statutory net profit of $494 million for the half-year ending March 31, 2026, a 37.9 per cent decrease driven by a $253 million software accounting adjustment.