RBNZ Leaders Hit the Road to Hear from Regional Communities

RBNZ's leadership team has been visiting regional centers across New Zealand to hear directly from local businesses and community members about their economic perspectives. This is part of a broader effort to understand how nationwide economic developments are affecting different regions, industries, and households.

In the first six months of 2026, RBNZ leaders have visited six centers outside of Wellington and Auckland, including Canterbury, Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty (Rotorua and Tauranga), Nelson-Tasman. They met with over 50 organizations, connecting directly with around 600 local business operators and community members.

During their visit to Nelson-Tasman, RBNZ leaders discussed current economic conditions, opportunities, and challenges facing the region with local iwi, regional economic development agency representatives, aquaculture experts, retirement providers, and transport companies. They acknowledged that many New Zealanders are facing challenging economic conditions, but also noted an increase in employment and labor market participation.

The RBNZ aims to keep inflation low and stable, maintaining a remit of 1-3% annual inflation over the medium term, with a focus on 2%. The regional leadership engagement programme complements the Bank's ongoing engagement activities, including quarterly surveys, public consultations, speaking engagements, and bilateral meetings with stakeholders.