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So what would you rather? A little bit of pain now or a whole lot more later? The Reserve Bank yesterday opted to keep the official cash rate at 2.25%, but the decision to hold was a close-run thing. And we know that now because of the transparency around the decisions being made and a jolly good thing it is too. Governor Dr. Anna Breman had to use her casting vote. The Monetary Policy Committee was evenly split on whether to raise the rate. The three Reserve Bank officials wanted to hold, the external committee members wanted to hike and therefore Governor Breman had to use her casting vote. One of the external committee members, economic consultant Carl Hansen, has given an interview with the Newsroom website explaining why he wanted to shift the rate now. He and the other two external committee members argued it would limit the overall magnitude of the increase in the OCR when it settles at the top of the imminent hiking phase. Translated, that means a bit of pain now is better than a whole lot later. Dr. Breman signalled that a rates rise is very likely when the committee next meets, but how high remains to be seen. And if it starts going up around about July, around about October, which is when the committee meets again, it's not just going to be mortgage holders who feel the pain, the Government will feel the pain too. They don't want to be associated with increased mortgage payments, but that's precisely what will happen. Carl Hansen argues that moving the OCR up a notch now, as in yesterday, would mean rates then wouldn't have to be yanked higher up further down the track. He says the uncertain environment in which we're living and in which we're making decisions won't disappear quickly and he and the other external members felt by going up 2.5% it would be an easier decision to either hold or go up in July. So if the experts don't know, how the hell do we? You've got six people whose job it is to understand the economy, to read the tea leaves and say, okay, this is what we think's going to happen in 18 months to two years and here are the decisions that we're going to make that we best we feel will best support the economy, the environment, the living conditions. It's going to help keep inflation in check, it's not going to stifle growth, this is what we believe. But if they're divided, it just shows how precarious and uncertain the times in which we live are. I like knowing that it was a 50/50 call and I can understand both sides. I can understand what the external committee members are saying, if we increase it just a teeny tiny bit now, it's not it shouldn't dampen spending, it shouldn't dampen growth and then it won't be such a shock if we do have to yank rates up further down the line. But I can also understand where the Reserve Bank officials are coming from too, it's just too uncertain. We don't know, it might fix itself. Although even in saying that, I feel like my extra 15 kilos might just drop off too. You know, hope is not a strategy – it's just a reckon. When you've got an election coming up and when you've got an election where nobody's willing to call how it's going to go, whether we go with a National/ACT/New Zealand First coalition or a Labour/Greens/Te Pāti Māori/independent/whoever they can cobble together coalition, it's too close to call from the polls. So there's uncertainty. If you're in business, you're unlikely, I would imagine, to be investing in extra staff, in capital expenditure, you're not going to be going gangbusters while there's uncertainty. So I get I can totally understand both sides of the coin when it comes to the decision made yesterday. Do you think the call was right? Do you think the Governor was correct in using her casting vote to keep things as they are and that things might come right? That the uncertainty – actually the only thing that is certain is that there will be uncertainty, I think. I cannot see it rectifying itself anytime soon. But was the right call made in holding things steady with an election coming up where nobody's certain what the result is going to be? Is this a time where businesses are just holding tight, keeping steady, not making big investments, not making big decisions, taihoa, wait and see. I'd love to hear from those of you in business, I'd love to hear from those of you with a passing interest in economics and I love being able to see the decisions now. I think it's I think it makes it really interesting. I like the transparency. I am so glad. I don't know. I mean, Governor Breman just seems to be a steady, cool hand which is what we need right now, not some flamboyant rockstar rocking and rolling through the economy because we are still suffering. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank says it expects to raise the official cash rate some time in this year, in the hopes of batting away the risk of persistent inflation caused by the Middle East conflict. Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman spoke to John Campbell.
The Reserve Bank Governor is feeling good about her captain's call to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25%. Anna Breman made the final decision after the six-member Monetary Policy Committee she chairs was evenly split on whether to hike the rate. Breman says she understands the argument for hiking but told Mike Hosking she doesn't think now's the right time. She says financial markets have already tightened quite a lot, and the economy is slowing down, which will reduce pressure on inflation over the medium term. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 28th of May, it's Budget Day, so we did a quickfire round with four of the biggest and most expectant sectors. Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman talks about being the defining vote in holding our Official Cash Rate. Kiwi singer Lee Martin tells us about her music journey and gives a performance of the latest single from her upcoming album. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank Governor acknowledges many Kiwis are doing it very tough right now. Anna Breman used her casting vote today, to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25 percent. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee was evenly split on hiking or holding the rate. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank Governor says she's mindful of the weak economy, as she weighs up Official Cash Rate settings. Anna Breman made the final call to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent today. The Monetary Policy Committee had been evenly split on hiking or holding, and is now signalling it'll go up in September. Breman says they consider the factors pushing inflation up, but also the weak economy and labour market that could send it downwards. "We aim to keep inflation low and stable, but we should also avoid unnecessary volatility in the economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 27 May, 2026, Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman gives us details on the close vote to keep the official cash rate at 2.25%. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little tells us how he's managed to keep a rates increase at less than 6%. Why tradies are being urged to do warmup workouts before work. And on The Huddle, Jack Tame and David Farrar debate if New Zealand First MP Andy Foster claiming thousands of dollars in accommodation allowances for a house he lives in Wellington is a rort. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank Governor acknowledges many Kiwis are doing it very tough right now. Anna Breman used her casting vote today, to keep the Official Cash Rate unchanged at 2.25 percent. The six-member Monetary Policy Committee was evenly split on hiking or holding the rate. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank Governor says she's mindful of the weak economy, as she weighs up Official Cash Rate settings. Anna Breman made the final call to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent today. The Monetary Policy Committee had been evenly split on hiking or holding, and is now signalling it'll go up in September. Breman says they consider the factors pushing inflation up, but also the weak economy and labour market that could send it downwards. "We aim to keep inflation low and stable, but we should also avoid unnecessary volatility in the economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We can thank the new Reserve Bank Governor for ending the week on a high note. New charter details were announced yesterday. Charters and Reserve Banks were once as dry as old dust but these days I think we have a new understanding of the importance of their role. Out of Covid and economic shambles has come more talk than ever about cash rates and inflation and debt and wasteful expenditure. The main change for me is the Monetary Policy votes will be made public, and not a moment too soon. They are already starting to hold press conferences after each decision. Some decisions are statements, some are reviews and, as such, carry different amounts of detail and information. But the idea that they front after each decision shouldn't be new. It should have always happened. Just what was it about the thinking at the lower end of the terrace in the capital that had them believing that simply putting out a statement was plenty. Why wouldn't they want questions? Why wouldn't they want to be held to account? Given everything is streamed these days you can watch it all. There's no need for a journalist to cut and paste a few so-called highlights to skew the narrative. Free and open and complete accountability should be welcomed, and this is overdue. But as for the vote, the same thinking applies. If you hold the power of a committee member and if you get a say in a mechanism as important as the country's cash rate, once again, what's your argument for remaining quiet? To keep it a secret? If the vote is 5-1, who is the one and why? What's wrong with an explanation? For example, there were four dissenting votes yesterday at the Fed. Let's hear about it. Knowledge is power and the fact we are only at this place in 2026 is a crime of sorts. A condescending attitude where they clearly thought we didn't need to know. So far new Governor Dr Anna Breman has introduced pressers, changed the charter and promised to at least partially look through the immediate inflationary impact of the war. So far, so impressive. I like the cut of her gib. Orr vs Breman? No contest. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Trish Sherson from Sherson Willis PR and Child Fund CEO Josie Pagani joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Labour's Chris Hipkins has confirmed the party won't reveal their stance on the FTA with India until next week. Why do we think they're waiting? ANZ has forecasted three OCR hikes before the November election as the Middle East conflict is likely to drive up inflation. How bad is this for the Government? Did we over-hype the effects of Cyclone Vaianu? Who's to blame for the panic? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Iranian ambassador: New Zealand no longer stands up for peace The representative of the Iranian government in New Zealand says the small Pacific nation is now seen as a country that supports unilateral military action, having refused to condemn the United States' actions on the world stage. After weeks of fighting, and days after ceasefire negotiations began, Jack sat down with Iranian ambassador Reza Nazar Ahari to discuss when the Strait of Hormuz will re-open and how Iran defends calling upon international law after perpetrating independently-verified human rights abuses in its own country. This interview was recorded on Friday 10 April. Anna Breman: How the Iran war will affect inflation When Anna Breman became New Zealand's Reserve Bank Governor in December of 2025, she promised greater transparency in how the bank makes monetary policy decisions. Formerly First Deputy Gobernor at Sweden's Riksbank, Breman took over the reins of New Zealand's central bank after a year of high-profile resignations and criticism from central government. After holding the OCR at 2.25 percent this week, she expands on what the global uncertainty caused by the Iran war means for New Zealand's economic future. This interview was recorded on Friday 10 April. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.
When Anna Breman became New Zealand's Reserve Bank Governor in December of 2025, she promised greater transparency in how the bank makes monetary policy decisions. Formerly First Deputy Governor at Sweden's Riksbank, Breman took over the reins of New Zealand's central bank after a year of high-profile resignations and criticism from central government. After holding the OCR at 2.25 percent this week, she expands on what the global uncertainty caused by the Iran war means for New Zealand's economic future. This interview was recorded on Friday 10 April. Join Jack Tame and the Q+A team and find the answers to the questions that matter. Made with the support of NZ on Air.
The Reserve Bank is warning inflation will rise because of the Middle East conflict, and hurt economic growth. Corin Dann speaks with Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman.
The Reserve Bank Governor says the conflict in Iran has materially altered New Zealand's outlook, even if yesterday's ceasefire deal leads to a de-escalation. The central bank's kept the Official Cash Rate on hold at 2.25%. It's forecasting inflation will hit 4.2% this quarter and says it's prepared to hike the cash rate if inflation becomes embedded. Governor Anna Breman told Mike Hosking even after the Strait of Hormuz reopens, economic disruptions will linger for some time. She says we're facing a severe supply chain disruption, affecting not just oil, but also the shipping of other goods. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 9th of April, Iran and the US have agreed to a ceasefire that looks increasingly tenuous – what will happen in the next two weeks? Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman and Finance Minister Nicola Willis discuss the OCR remaining at 2.25% and the economic impact of the ceasefire for New Zealand. Kiwi Supercars driver Matt Payne speaks ahead Taupō this weekend and the first ever South Island race next weekend. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast for Wednesday, 8 April, 2026, we talk to a Middle East correspondent about whether the ceasefire between the US and Iran will hold. Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman on the warning bells ahead as she keeps the official cash rate at 2.25%. We talk to the owner about what you'll get if you buy Australia's smallest town. And one of our Huddlers, Maurice Williamson and Jack Tame, is hot on schools ignoring the Education Minister's new SMART tool. Get the Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive Full Show Podcast every weekday evening on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank says there are still plenty of unknowns, after today's Iran ceasefire announcement and resultant oil price drop. It's held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent, but is forecasting inflation could surge to 4.2 percent this quarter. Governor Anna Breman says that figure could be much lower if things settle in the Middle East. But she says if not, fuel costs could rise more, pushing inflation even higher. "The worst case scenario is that firms that are already squeezed feel like they have to pass these costs onto consumers, and that we see inflation getting embedded into the economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank says there are still plenty of unknowns, after today's Iran ceasefire announcement and resultant oil price drop. It's held the Official Cash Rate at 2.25 percent, but is forecasting inflation could surge to 4.2 percent this quarter. Governor Anna Breman says that figure could be much lower if things settle in the Middle East. But she says if not, fuel costs could rise more, pushing inflation even higher. "The worst case scenario is that firms that are already squeezed feel like they have to pass these costs onto consumers, and that we see inflation getting embedded into the economy." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank governor has issued a warning to not underestimate the complexity of disruptions caused by war in the Middle East. Anna Breman said it could take nine months for price increases caused by the war to filter through to supermarket shelves, and to expect higher inflation in the near term and weaker economic growth in 2026. Small business owners still recovering from tough economic times are nervous. Mark Knoff Thomas from the Newmarket Business Association spoke to Lisa Owen.
The Reserve Bank Governor says the central bank is closely monitoring fuel prices, but won't rush into reacting. Anna Breman says the Iran war is likely to lead to higher inflation and lower growth in the short term. Breman says that's unlikely to make them hike the Official Cash Rate - but things could change if higher fuel prices pressure the economy. Independent economist Cameron Bagrie says it's important to keep an eye on the 'second-round' effects from the conflict in order to determine future OCR changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump has postponed his threatened strikes on Iranian power and desalination plants. Markets rally on hopes for de-escalation. And New Zealand's new Reserve Bank Governor, Anna Breman, speaks today. And then in part two of a deep-dive interview with ANZ Senior Commodity Strategist Daniel Hynes, he details why any resumption of oil production won't be easy, or quick. Before accessing this podcast, please read the disclaimer at https://www.anz.com/institutional/five-in-five-podcast/
How do you feel about being told you need to spend more money? That's what the Reserve Bank's chief economist wants you to do. As expected, the bank's governor announced yesterday that there would be no change in the official cash rate because the bank doesn't want to do anything that could put the brakes on the economic recovery. Which some people are feeling the benefits of, while others aren't. Which the Reserve Bank describes as an uneven recovery. Meaning we're still in for a bit of a haul before we all feel some sort of benefit. Tell that, though, to the bank's chief economist Paul Conway who is giving us all a bit of a hurry along, saying people need to stop being so cautious with their money and get out and spend more. How realistic is that, do you think? If you're not having a “tell him he's dreaming moment”, then you must be one of the people who are already feeling the benefit of an economic recovery. But, generally, what planet is Paul Conway on, telling us to spend more? Because we're doing that already. Not out of choice. Not because we're feeling particularly flush. But we're spending more just to get by. Two days ago, new numbers came out showing that grocery prices are still going up. White bread prices up 57.9 percent in the past year. Chocolate up 20 percent. Not to mention mince. That's pink gold these days. Which is why I think this statement by the Reserve Bank's chief economist that we need to stop being so tight and start spending more is just ridiculous. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A very happy Zoi Sadowski-Synnott joined us after becoming the most decorated Olympic snowboarder in the world; Corin Dann spoke with Reserve Bank governor Dr Anna Breman following her first official cash rate decision; We're hearing more about landslides - as extreme weather conditions become more common. We found out more about the risks they pose to communities; SKY TV may have to curb more than its enthusiasm after HBO's decision to end its content deal with the platform and launch its own service. We spoke to Duncan Grieve about what it could mean for consumers; And we spoke to the founder of a Wellington based start up that's going nuclear.
The new Reserve Bank governor says the economy is starting to recover, but it might take time for people to feel it. In her first monetary policy statement, Dr Anna Breman has held interest rates at 2.25 percent. Corin Dann spoke to her shortly after the decision.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 19th of February, we cover the OCR, yet another report reinforcing our inability to protect our most vulnerable children, and the rising use of hard drugs. Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman explains her OCR call and whether she or the economists got it right. Country music star Corey Kent is in the country with Jason Aldean, and popped in to regale us with stories of Willie Nelson and Paul Simon. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Our new Reserve Bank Governor says she has full confidence in the people making OCR decisions. The Monetary Policy Committee, chaired by Anna Breman, has decided to keep the OCR unchanged at 2.25% for now. It says while inflation is above the target band, the economy still needs some time to recover. Breman told Mike Hosking the committee will make the best decisions it can, based on the data and forecasts it has access to at the time. She says something might look obvious in retrospect, but they're dealing with lots of global shocks constantly hitting the New Zealand economy. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank says inflation's too high, but it's actually worried it could soon end up too low. It's kept the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. New Governor Anna Breman says they're not happy with headline inflation surpassing the one-to-three percent target band last quarter. But she says underlying core-inflation is much lower, and wage growth slow. She explained that unless the economy rebounds, they think inflation might actually fall below the target. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We've had the first monetary policy decision from the new Reserve Bank Governor, and it's not until you get a new captain at the helm that you realise just how little confidence you had left in the previous one. Now, to be fair, it's early days for Anna Breman. We'll judge her by what she does from here on in. But she does start with a clean slate - without us reading too much into her decisions or second-guessing every move because of a poor track record. And that, I'd say, is a very welcome change from just a few weeks ago before she took over. Her assessment is that inflation is fine. Yes, it's a little high right now - 3.1 percent, outside the target band - but it's expected to fall back within the band by this time next year. The economy is improving. The green shoots that were previously limited to certain regions and industries are becoming more widespread. Households are getting more money in their pockets, but they're still cautious - and that's a problem. Because unless they're confident enough to spend, they'll hold back the economic recovery from what it could potentially be. But - and this is probably the bit you've been most interested in, and waiting for - they will start raising the OCR faster than expected. Previously, the Official Cash Rate projection had it going from 2.2 percent in March to 2.3 percent in December. That's now been brought forward: they're forecasting 2.3 percent in June and 2.4 percent in December. The first increase will still most likely be in December, but the chances of it happening in September just increased. It's not a major concern. It's not a major correction. It's not a game-changer for most people. But it does bring the inevitable a little closer. Still - for now - it's nice to have a change at the top, isn't it? And here's hoping this Governor does a better job than the last one. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight on The Huddle, Tim Wilson from the Maxim Institute and Jack Tame from ZB's Saturday Mornings and Q&A joined in on a discussion about the following issues of the day - and more! Anna Breman made her first call as Reserve Bank Governor and left the OCR unchanged at 2.25 percent. Do we think this is the right move? Do we need to start putting down more dangerous dogs? The recent attack in Northland has sparked discussion - and some outrage. Do we need tougher regulations for dogs, or owners? Heather says the Foo Fighters are the greatest modern rock band in existence. Do we agree with that? LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new Reserve Bank Governor is standing by the first OCR decision she's overseen - keeping the cash rate at 2.25 percent. Anna Breman said the Bank isn't happy with inflation being at 3.1 percent, but it's likely it will drop later in the year. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the face of it, the unemployment figure out today is not good. It's gone up, it's now sitting at 5.4 percent, a high we haven't seen in almost 11 years. The last time we were anywhere near 5.4 percent was September 2015. But actually, there is a recovery story here if you look under the hood. We've added 15,000 jobs to the economy. More people want to work, too. As Infometrics points out, fewer people are sitting on the sidelines. We have fewer young people bumming around, and more of them are in work, training, or education. Most of the people who found work in the last quarter are in part‑time jobs, which suggests employers are taking a cautious chance. They're not totally convinced the recovery is locked in - not enough to offer full‑time roles - but they're confident enough to dip their toes back in. Now, I don't want to be Pollyannaish here, pretending things are fine when they're not. I don't want to oversell good news. But I do think it's worth focusing on the positive signs in these numbers to give this recovery a chance. There is enough data out there now to suggest we are on the right side of things and that the recovery is happening. But there's still a wobble, isn't there? You talk to some businesses and they're still unimpressed by what they're seeing come through the door. And I just wonder if we're holding off a little. Maybe we were spooked by the false dawn in 2025 and want to make sure this is actually the recovery we think it is. Maybe we're still unsure what the Reserve Bank is going to do. Maybe we want to get the feel of Anna Breman in her first go in a couple of weeks before we start investing money. We have good signs: consumer confidence, business confidence, GDP growth, retail spending growth, improved manufacturing numbers - the list goes on. And now add this: the detail under the unemployment number. Put that on the list, step back, and assess what really does look like a recovery, if we just give it the chance. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
At the end of each week, Mike Hosking takes you through the big-ticket items and lets you know what he makes of it all. Trump: 6/10 An infuriating mix of effective and insane. It's rare for a single person to dominate news everyday all week, but there you go. Iceland: 2/10 Was Iceland his Biden moment and no one called it out? Can you threaten to invade a place who's name you can't even remember? Tony Brown: 8/10 Appeared on the show this week and set the cat amongst the pigeons. The rugby union: 2/10 When you look at Razor and listen to Tony, where do you reckon the real issues are? Anna Breman: 6/10 The Dr vs Winston vs Nicola. I side with Anna. She is either independent or she isn't. LISTEN ABOVE FOR MIKE HOSKING'S FULL WEEK IN REVIEW See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Of all the nutty stuff Trump is up to, the most egregious is the DOJ-Jerome Powell investigation. Powell —I have not one shadow of doubt— makes, along with his board members, decisions based on traditional economic or monetary thinking. Trump does not. Of course you can debate, as we have in this country, whether a governor or chair of a central bank is doing the right thing or a good thing. But what you don't do is weaponize the law to hunt him down. A central bank's independence is the cornerstone of how a lot of the world's economy works. It matters. Which is why so many central bank chiefs came out in defence of Powell — one of which was our newly minted Reserve Bank Governor, Dr Anna Breman. She is now, it seems, in trouble for doing so. Winston Peters I didn't take that seriously, but Nicola Willis I do. And together I most certainly do. Both have now spoken out against her move. Willis says she should have taken advice. Breman says she didn't want to wake Willis at 3 in the morning. That worries me. I have woken the boss here at 3 in the morning because my computer password didn't work. I would have no hesitation ringing Willis at a similar time. I worry about her weakness. But more importantly — advice on what? Breman is independent. The irony is that the entire debate around Powell is about independence and the defence of it. Can Breman now only be independent if the government says so? And if that's the case, how far removed from the Trump view of the world are Peters and Willis? Are Willis and Peters scared of America and the White House? Would the advice have been: “Look, obviously you are independent, but please keep in mind we are scared witless of the nut job in Washington, so anything you can do to stop things getting messy would be appreciated”? Or —if we are universally agreed Breman should have taken advice— is she in fact a loose unit? Have we hired the wrong person? A person who has put her foot in it having only been in the job 15 minutes? So which is it? She is independent, and good on her? Or she is a puppet of government and she's trouble waiting to happen? Answers please. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Kiwibank has scrapped it's plans for partial privatisation after the Reserve Bank announced it's reduction of the amount of capital it requires banks to hold to protect their depositors in the event of a crisis. The bank had been talking to investors, seeking a $500 million capital raise after the Government gave it the green light to raise money to become more competitive. Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich talked to Andrew Dickens about the change and the future of the market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Reserve Bank Governor Dr Anna Breman is pushing traders in financial markets to focus on the bank's November 26 Monetary Policy Statement. This has prompted investors to speculate that interest rates will remain low throughout 2026. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new head of the Reserve Bank says she wants financial markets to know exactly where she stands, after stepping in to calm markets this week. Corin Dann talks to Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman
Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman has taken the unusual step of indicating the OCR is unlikely to be cut for some time. Economist Cameron Bagrie spoke to Corin Dann.
Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman has taken the unusual step of indicating the OCR is unlikely to be cut for some time; Australia's national cabinet has agreed to bolster gun control laws in the wake of the Bondi Beach terror attack; Opposition leader, Chris Hipkins spoke to Morning Report; Summer is well and truly here, and with warmer days comes more time spent outdoors, and the need for sunscreen; Splore has decided to call it quits after its 2026 show after lower than hoped ticket sales.
If you weren't already feeling confident about 2026, I've got two reasons you should. At least two major retail banks see signs of an economic recovery and we have a new Reserve Bank Governor. No pressure on Anna Breman, but she hasn't arrived a day too soon given that the old lot were still managing to stuff things up until literally the last chance they had, with Christian Hawkesby saying the wrong thing and sending wholesale market rates, and therefore fixed term interest rates, up by 30 basis points. To be fair to him, he was only the fill in. And if we're honest with ourselves it's more hope than certainty that the Swedish import will be any better than Hawkesby or Adrian Orr. But then again you could argue it really would be hard to be worse given the last four years. But we're here for the good news. The good news is that Anna Breman arriving as the new broom coincides with ASB, and now Kiwibank, all saying it's on. They're seeing signs of a recovery for 2026. Kiwibank's call arguably matters more than the others because they've been the gloomiest. They were calling for more rate cuts than the Reserve Bank was prepared for. They were warning it was more grim out there than the Wellington bankers realised. They were right. So here's hoping they are right again when they say sales are already up, and when sales go up, everything else follows. House prices are up 2-3% next year. The economy is growing 2.4% and then it's 3% the next year. I don't know about you but that combo - a new person in charge of the central bank and growing consensus that the recovery is now on - is probably the best Christmas present i could wish for. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The new Reserve Bank Governor, Anna Breman, hosted an event for media earlier, allowing financial journalists to get their first look. Breman is monitoring the impact of tightening financial conditions, amid concerns about the state of the OCR. NZ Herald Wellington business editor Jenee Tibshraeny explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After yet another OCR cut, economists and mortgage holders alike are holding their breath for December - the last announcement of the year. A new report from Infometrics suggests the Reserve Bank may be taking the cuts too far, and risking an overstimulated economy. Most forecasts have predicted more cuts coming, but it's possible that Dr Anna Breman may have a different way of handling things. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A new Reserve Bank governor has been appointed, and Dr Anna Breman is well aware her first task will be to rebuild transparency and accountability at the central bank. In this week's Focus on Politics, political reporter Giles Dexter looks at the Reserve Bank's tumultuous year, and what fresh challenges await the incoming governor.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
Moldova arrests 74 people over alleged Russian election interference, Egypt and Rwanda ink water and trade deals, the U.S. Treasury is in talks to support Argentina, a Dallas ICE facility shooting leaves two dead, including the shooter, Jimmy Kimmel returns after his suspension, President Trump cancels a meeting Chuck Schumer and Hakeem Jeffries, the Trump admin. offers hundreds of reinstatements after DOGE workforce cuts, Sweden's Anna Breman is named the first female Royal Bank of New Zealand governor, Super Typhoon Ragasa kills 14 in Taiwan, and an experimental gene therapy reportedly slows the progression of Huntington's Disease. Sources: www.verity.news
A new governor of the Reserve Bank has been appointed - with Dr Anna Breman set to become the first woman to hold the role. Former Reserve Bank economist Michael Reddell spoke to Alexa Cook.
In today's episode, Auckland Council has voted in favour of a new housing intensification plan that clears the way for high-rise buildings of up to 15 storeys around public transport hubs; a new governor of the Reserve Bank has been appointed - with Dr Anna Breman set to become the first woman to hold the role; New data from the Ministry of Social Development shows almost 50 percent of people have chosen to forgo produce to save money - double the number that did in 2018; The cruise ship season is officially underway, but with fewer ships scheduled to come to New Zealand ports this year; Bird memes are taking over the internet, as the Bird of the Year competition heats up.
Our next Reserve Bank Governor is being commended for her track record in Sweden. Dr Anna Breman —the First Deputy-Governor of Sweden's central bank— will lead our central bank from December. Swedish economist Selva Baziki says the Swedish economy is similar to New Zealand's. And she told Mike Hosking Breman and her colleagues successfully reined in inflation without too much economic impact. Baziki says they've done quite well in the tough job of balancing growth and employment with inflation. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast for Thursday 25th of September, a Swedish economist delves into the credentials of our incoming Reserve Bank Governor. Pharmac is funding new medicines who should help our patients and hospitals – David Seymour discusses. Kiwi golfer Ryan Fox is in studio to reflect on the year and talk about the upcoming Chasing the Fox event. Get the Mike Hosking Breakfast Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Reserve Bank Governor appointment is not to be underestimated. We have never had a foreigner. Well, we have (the first was British) but that was in 1934 and that's the sort of thing you would have expected given colonialism. Obviously, the fact she is female should not be a thing. I think we have seen plenty of examples that essentially woman can, and do, do anything and the more we continue to isolate out appointments on gender, the more we remind ourselves how little in our minds we have moved forward. But the fact we seem to have attracted what they suggested was a good line up, both numerically and in talent, from offshore is a good tick for this country's reputation. Anna Breman may well use this as a springboard to big banks, who knows. But moving your family halfway around the world is no small thing and you have to believe that the place you are landing isn't a dump, and you can make a difference. I don't think I'm reading too much into the Willis comments at the press conference when she said Christian Hawkesby had done an admirable job. Admirable... is that glowing? I don't think so. He applied for the job but sadly, given his proximity to Adrian Orr, he didn't stand a chance and is now to leave the bank. That in part may have played a role in someone from outside the joint getting the gig. If you're from Sweden you had nothing to do with what has been a hopeless time for the bank, riddled with incompetence and secrecy. Breman said our bank is widely and highly regarded. If I take her at her word that's reassuring, but you can equally suggest she would say that, wouldn't she? What I am interested in is whether she can get a grip on the country and its economic culture. I remain convinced that at least part of the reason the Reserve Bank have messed the recovery up so badly is they don't get out of Wellington. There are too many spreadsheets and not enough real world, not enough vibe, not enough on-the-ground readings. It's a challenge for a Northern European to soak up something like New Zealand and get a gut feel for it and flip it. How long would it take anyone of us to suss out the subtlety of Sweden? But given where we are, she starts from a low base, and the only way is up. Let's hope she's a rockstar. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tonight, on The Panel, Wallace Chapman is joined by panellists Verity Johnson and Ed McKnight. First up, a new Reserve Bank governor has been appointed and Dr Anna Breman will be the first women in the role in New Zealand. How significant is this and how important is the appointment for women in economics? Then, Auckland Council is voting on whether to keep going with what's known at Plan Change 78 which allows for three story houses to be put up anywhere, or a revised plan which incorporates 10-15 storey buildings. Simon Wilson brings us the latest from a very contentious debate.