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Monetary Policy Statement November 2024

We explain the reasons behind our OCR decision and provide an overview of what is happening in the economy.

What's happening in the economy?

Today the Official Cash Rate was lowered by 50 basis points to 4.25%

Inflation has fallen to 2.2%, within our target of 1 to 3%. Imported prices have fallen, because the global economy has weakened and overseas inflation has dropped.

Domestic prices are declining but remain higher than usual. The economy has been weak, but will recover as interest rates decline.

Households and businesses have not been spending as much as usual and fewer new homes are being built.

Unemployment has increased. Businesses have cut back on hiring. Unemployment will come down next year as the economy starts to recover.

Inflation has fallen to 2.2%, within our target of 1 to 3%.

Imported prices have fallen, because the global economy has weakened and overseas inflation has dropped.

Domestic inflation is declining but remains higher than usual. This is because prices for services such as insurance, rents, and council rates are still rising faster than normal.

We expect inflation to remain within our target range.


The economy has been weak, but will recover as interest rates decline.

Households and businesses have not been spending as much as usual and fewer new homes are being built.

Lower interest rates will encourage households and businesses to spend more, supporting economic growth.


Unemployment has increased. Businesses have cut back on hiring.

There are fewer jobs being advertised. 

Migration is adding less to New Zealand’s population. There are fewer new migrants coming to New Zealand, and more Kiwis are moving to Australia for job opportunities. 

Pay rises are likely to be smaller than in recent years, reflecting lower inflation and the tougher job market.

Unemployment will come down next year as the economy starts to recover.