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Economists Urge Caution Against New Zealand Rate Hikes

4/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Kiwibank economists say raising interest rates would be tone deaf and reckless given rising costs, warn hikes could trigger a recession, and urge Reserve Bank of New Zealand to watch, wait, and weigh up.
ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner notes Reserve Bank of New Zealand is cautious about repeating Covid-era mistakes.
Zollner adds that economic impact of a potential rate rise may not be clear until later data becomes available.

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Story summary

Kiwibank economists say raising interest rates would be tone deaf and reckless given rising costs, warn hikes could trigger a recession, and urge Reserve Bank of New Zealand to watch, wait, and weigh up.
ANZ chief economist Sharon Zollner notes Reserve Bank of New Zealand is cautious about repeating Covid-era mistakes.
Zollner adds that economic impact of a potential rate rise may not be clear until later data becomes available.