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Statistics frequently asked questions

Q: What statistics are available from the Reserve Bank?

A: An “A-Z” alphabetical listing is available for series that appear in statistics published on the Reserve Bank website. A list of all tables can found here.

Statistics that feature on this website originate mostly from the Bank’s day to day financial market operations, from periodic financial surveys, or by the re-dissemination of official statistics.

While every effort is made to ensure that the statistics published on this website are accurate, no liability is accepted for errors or omissions. Access and use of the Bank’s website statistical series are unrestricted. Source acknowledgement should be made where the Bank’s data are used in publications.

Q: Where can I find Reserve Bank data on lending to households?

A: Table C6 provides a sectoral breakdown of NZ dollar claims to households by registered banks and non-bank lending institutions (NBLI). Also available is a long run series called Household financial assets and liabilities.

Further analyses of lending by registered banks and NBLI are available from the Aggregate Standard Statistical Return: see parts C (particularly CC1 memorandum items for the banks), D2 (sectoral analysis) and E (claim origination & residential loan analysis – not available for NBLI).

For a comprehensive background, see Note on household claims historical series.

Q: Where can I find data on cards (credit, debit, EFT-POS, ATM)?

A: The Reserve Bank conducts a monthly credit card survey.

Statistics New Zealand publishes monthly statistics on the number and value of electronic card transactions.

Selected statistics on non-cash payment methods such as EFT-POS, debit cards and MICR, or other related information may be obtained from Payments NZ Limited.

Q: Why are some long-term official series not supplied by the Reserve Bank?

A: The prime reason is copyright restrictions. A number of statistical series that feature on this website are compiled by third party agencies (notably the Economic Indicators tables A1 to A5). The source of each series has been identified in the series description section and users should approach the relevant institutions with any requirements unable to be met by this site.

Q: Where can I find further statistical information on the New Zealand financial system ?

A: Published six-monthly, the Financial Stability Report assesses and reports on the soundness and efficiency of the New Zealand financial system. Various studies of the financial sector can also be found in past issues of the Bulletin. See for example:

For sources outside the Reserve Bank, see the Centre for Banking Studies at Massey University for reviews of banking activities in New Zealand.

KPMG provides periodical sectoral reviews in their publications New Zealand financial institutions performance survey.

Information on individual institutions is available from their published disclosure or financial statements. Credit Unions activities are covered in Parliamentary paper B.18 (Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies and Credit Unions).