General frequently asked questions
Q. Who owns the Reserve Bank of New Zealand? Does it have shareholders?
A. The Reserve Bank does not have shareholders. It is 100% “owned” by the New Zealand Government, with any extra revenue that the Reserve Bank makes going back into the Crown accounts. The Reserve Bank is not a government department, but is a body corporate whose finances are included in the Crown accounts.
Q. Where can I find out about the transparency and accountability of the RBNZ?
A. For an overview, have a look at one of the Reserve Bank’s publications, The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989: our accountability to New Zealanders (PDF 422Kb). For information on the governance of the Reserve Bank, see the Briefing on the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.
Q. Where can I find a copy of the Reserve Bank Act 1989 and amendments?
A. Go to the About us section and scroll down to the part called Our legislation. You will find links to the Reserve Bank Act and the amendment acts on the New Zealand Legislation website.
Q. How do I get a copy of Mary Holm’s book Snakes & Ladders: A guide to risk for savers and investers?
A. By contacting the Reserve Bank’s Knowledge Centre at knowledge@rbnz.govt.nz
Copies are free. You can also read Snakes & Ladders (PDF 569KB) on this website.
Q. How do I get a copy of the Reserve Bank’s Annual Report?
A. By contacting the Reserve Bank’s Knowledge Centre. Copies are free. You can also read the Annual Report on this website.
Q. How do I find out about Kiwi Bonds?
A. By contacting Computershare Investor Services at Private Bag 92119 Auckland. The telephone number for Kiwi Bond enquiries is 0800 655 494 and the fax number is 09 488 8775. Email address is enquiry@computershare.co.nz. Kiwi Bond interest rates are set by the NZ Debt Management Office on their website.
RBNZ ceased being the registrar for Kiwi Bonds on 20 December 2004. All enquiries should now be directed to the above contacts rather than the RBNZ.
Q. Can I invest money with the RBNZ?
A. No. You cannot invest money with the RBNZ.
Q. Can I invest in other New Zealand Government securities?
A. Yes. There are other NZ$ denominated investments offered by the New Zealand Government. You should contact your stockbroker or financial advisor for information on how to purchase them.
Q. Can I reproduce information from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s publications and website?
A. Yes. Published Reserve Bank information may be used without restriction, but acknowledgement would be appreciated.
Q. Where do I find out about New Zealand’s balance of payments?
A. From Statistics New Zealand. Their website contains a lot of useful information on New Zealand’s balance of payments.
Q. Where can I find the credit rating for New Zealand?
A. From the New Zealand Debt Management Office. Their website contains information on NZ's foreign currency credit rating and also about the NZ debt market.
