The latest NZ financial resources for KiwiSaver, property, investing, budgeting, retirement, and insurance. Links to financial advisers & useful calculators. All in one place.
The latest updates on KiwiSaver, property, investing, and more. Sourced from financial media channels and resources published by reputable financial advisers.
New FMA research finds only 28% of New Zealanders accessed financial advice in the past year, with affordability (31%), not knowing where to begin (26%), and distrust of advisers (15%) as the top barriers. Despite 63% of Kiwis thinking about their finances at least weekly, significant gaps in access remain — particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities and lower-income households.
Westpac NZ is losing home loan market share as customers switch to rival banks amid increasing competition in the housing market. CEO Catherine McGrath acknowledged the competitive pressures affecting the bank's mortgage business. This reflects broader shifts in New Zealand's residential lending landscape.
Latest building consent figures show steady growth in residential construction, while non-residential construction continues to decline. This data provides insight into the health of New Zealand's property sector and construction activity. The divergence between residential and commercial building suggests different market dynamics in each segment.
Barfoot & Thompson reported that selling prices rose slightly in October despite a decrease in sales volume. This data from Auckland's largest real estate agency offers a snapshot of current property market conditions. The trend of rising prices with fewer sales suggests ongoing price resilience in the Auckland market.
Global fintech company Revolut has been registered as New Zealand's 27th registered bank and is offering new customers a 3.50% p.a. introductory savings rate. This represents an expansion of New Zealand's banking options and competition in the retail banking sector. The registration by the Reserve Bank signals approval of digital-only banking services in the country.
Despite global fiscal pressures, fundamental economic forces are expected to drive rising interest rates over the coming years and decades. The article explores structural reasons why the cost of borrowing is set to increase. This analysis has implications for household finances, mortgages and personal financial planning.
Westpac NZ's profit fell 9% to $1.09 billion as mortgage competition intensifies and squeezes lending margins. The result reflects broader pressures in New Zealand's banking and mortgage market. The article explores whether the bank will respond with further mortgage rate cuts following recent Reserve Bank decisions.
This investment analysis examines whether shares in major retirement village operators Ryman, Summerset and Oceania represent good investment opportunities. The article discusses investment considerations for those looking at the retirement living sector. It provides guidance for investors evaluating aged-care company shares.
This analysis examines the potential tax revenue that could be raised by increasing New Zealand's top tax rate. The article notes that simply raising the tax rate is more complex than it might initially appear, considering behavioral responses and administration. It provides insight into tax policy options and their household financial implications.
Latest Centrix data shows home loan arrears have remained at their lowest level since December 2022, indicating improved borrower health. While overall credit demand remains mixed, the data suggests mortgage holders are managing their obligations well despite economic pressures.
Residential construction volumes in Auckland are expected to steadily increase over the next two years, reversing recent slowdowns in the building sector. This outlook suggests improved housing supply conditions and potential benefits for the residential property market.
Westpac NZ's annual profit declined as net interest margins fell amid intense competition in the home loan market, with income falling while expenses and loan impairments rose. The results reflect broader pressure on mortgage lending profitability and potential implications for borrowing costs.
The article explores various proposed reforms to New Zealand's KiwiSaver retirement savings scheme. It considers policy options aimed at improving the system's effectiveness for members.
Morningstar data reveals that KiwiSaver conservative funds posted an average loss of 1 percent in the three months to September. The decline reflects broader market pressures affecting even the most cautious investment options available to KiwiSaver members.
Centrix data shows that credit-active consumers behind on their payments have increased to 10.88 percent, representing approximately 15,000 borrowers in financial hardship. The figure highlights growing repayment difficulties among New Zealand consumers despite mortgage arrears remaining at low levels.
Powerswitch head Paul Fuge suggests that household hot water controls could deliver significant cost savings for consumers if used effectively, potentially exceeding the benefits of solar panel installations. The insight offers practical guidance for households seeking to reduce energy expenses.
Councils warn that third-party LIM (Land Information Memorandum) providers are charging significantly higher fees—up to five times more than council rates—for property reports. Home buyers should be aware of this markup when obtaining LIMs during the purchase process.
KiwiSaver managers advise investors to "stick to their knitting" and maintain long-term fund strategies amid market volatility driven by artificial intelligence sector concerns. The guidance emphasises choosing appropriate funds based on individual circumstances rather than reacting to short-term market movements.
Investment expert Dean Anderson provides guidance on how to deploy a $120,000 lump sum, addressing common questions from readers about investment strategy. The article explores practical options for managing a significant windfall as part of a new finance interview series.
Parents of disabled adult children face unique financial and planning challenges when considering their estate and long-term care arrangements after their death. The article examines the personal finance concerns specific to families with disabled dependents.
RNZ's money correspondent Susan Edmunds explains the rules around KiwiSaver withdrawal eligibility, specifically addressing why funds cannot typically be accessed for medical procedures like hip operations. The Q&A clarifies the conditions under which KiwiSaver savings can be withdrawn.
KiwiSaver scheme performance was weak in the September quarter, with ANZ and Fisher Funds experiencing negative returns and market share declines according to Morningstar data. ANZ saw its assets under management drop by $127 million during the period.
Government-owned Public Trust saw funds under supervision spike by $25 billion year-on-year to exceed $151 billion by June 30, with significant growth driven by the expanding KiwiSaver market. The corporate trustee business now holds substantial KiwiSaver assets as the scheme continues to grow.
Financial experts argue that election campaign promises focus too narrowly on near-term gains rather than addressing long-term structural economic challenges. The analysis examines whether political commitments align with sustained household financial wellbeing over the next two decades.
Residential property auction volumes have surged to spring levels, though the sales rate remains below 40%. This reflects ongoing activity in the property market despite challenging conditions.
The ANZ-Roy Morgan consumer confidence survey reveals muted overall confidence with consumer inflation expectations easing but remaining above 4%. House price expectations have reached their lowest level in more than three years.
According to QV CostBuilder data, overall construction costs remained flat in October despite rising diesel prices pushing up some individual cost categories. This stability reflects a balance between competing cost pressures in the construction sector.
KiwiSaver has surpassed $150 billion in total value while most funds showed minimal movement over the three-month period to September 2026. The article analyzes Morningstar performance data and provides guidance on fund performance and investment decisions.
A financial advice column examines the costs of investing in a talented young athlete's development, including potential US university sponsorship opportunities, and how to balance such investments fairly across siblings. The article explores the financial planning required for supporting a child's sporting ambitions.
Complaints about solar panel providers to the Utilities Dispute have surged more than 170 percent over the past four years, with several high-profile providers collapsing. Experts are calling for increased regulation of the solar panel industry to protect consumers.
A council is urging property buyers to obtain Land Information Memorandums directly rather than through third-party websites, which are charging more than five times the standard fee. The warning highlights the risk of overpaying for essential property purchase documents.
The Household Living-Costs Price Indexes for the September quarter show superannuitants are experiencing the highest levels of inflation compared to other household groups. Interest payments are rising again, adding to cost-of-living pressures on pensioners.
The cost of living for the average household has eased marginally as falls in mortgage rates have partly offset increases in petrol prices. The offsetting effects highlight competing pressures on household finances.
Fuel prices currently vary by up to 35 cents per litre across New Zealand, but finding the cheapest option may require driving out of your way. The article examines whether shopping around for fuel deals is economically worthwhile.
Australia has moved to ban credit card surcharges, but similar plans have stalled in New Zealand. The article examines potential solutions to credit card surcharge costs for consumers.
The article compares the closed SSRSS scheme (which still runs for existing members) with KiwiSaver, examining when rising KiwiSaver rates might make a transfer economically advantageous. It helps members understand the factors to consider when deciding whether to stay in or leave the SSRSS.
The Financial Services Complaints and Disputes Resolution Scheme reports that complaints about financial advice have declined, though some concerns remain about the quality of advice provided to consumers.
Petrol vehicles are losing value more quickly than equivalent models did a decade ago, affecting household finances and asset depreciation. The shift reflects changing market preferences and economic conditions in New Zealand.
The article explores why intelligent people often struggle with personal money management and provides practical strategies to overcome poor financial habits. It emphasises that financial difficulties are not inevitable and can be addressed through deliberate action.
New Zealanders' total residential mortgage debt has exceeded $400 billion, with households paying just over $29 billion in mortgage payments during the September year. This milestone reflects ongoing pressure on household finances as borrowing levels continue to climb.
Vero Insurance reports that weather-related insurance claims have surged to $186.4 million over the past year, with climate change projected to increase claims costs by 12% to 15% by 2040. This rising trend has significant implications for household insurance premiums and budgeting.
The Reserve Bank announced it is seeing less pass-through of wholesale interest rate increases into both deposit and mortgage rates, and stated that the NZ general election was not a factor in its decision to pause hiking the Official Cash Rate. This affects household savings and borrowing costs.
Economists are divided on the RBNZ's decision to hold the OCR, with many viewing it as a temporary pause rather than an end to rate hikes, with BNZ projecting a December OCR rise. This uncertainty affects household mortgage rates and financial planning decisions.
Labour has announced its rental policy, which includes a ban on no-cause evictions, changes to notice and inspection periods, and introduction of landlord duty of care. These policy changes would significantly affect renters' rights and security of tenure.
A new report shows that first-time buyers accounted for 29.5% of all property purchases in the third quarter of the year, providing insights into current first-home buyer demographics and trends in the New Zealand property market.
The Reserve Bank surprised markets by holding the OCR at 2.75% in a split decision, immediately causing the New Zealand dollar to drop nearly a cent against the US dollar. This unexpected decision affects household mortgage rates and savings returns.
A lawyer has raised concerns that Long Covid sufferers are being denied insurance coverage through 'mental health' exclusions in policy fine print. This issue affects vulnerable households seeking insurance protection.
The Reserve Bank surprised markets by holding the Official Cash Rate at 2.75% following a closely contested 4-3 vote. The decision immediately caused the New Zealand dollar to drop sharply. This RBNZ monetary policy decision directly affects household borrowing and saving rates.
Cam Harper explores strategies for deploying retirement savings, including how property-backed investing can fit within a diversified retirement portfolio. The article provides guidance on managing accumulated savings and enjoying retirement income.
First home buyers paid an average price that dropped to its lowest level in 19 months during September, though more than half are taking on low equity loans. This data reflects current property market conditions and first-home buyer financing patterns.
A lawyer highlights little-known discount schemes available for people with overdue student loans, with one recent example involving a $100,000 discount. The article provides practical information on managing student loan debt.
The Reserve Bank's surprise OCR hold decision has immediate implications for mortgage and term deposit rates, benefiting borrowers while disadvantaging savers in the short term. The article analyzes how this monetary policy decision affects household finances.
A daily economic review covering key financial developments including rent inflation data, mortgage interest rates, borrower buffers, and movements in swaps, equities and foreign exchange. The update notes that mortgage interest loads remain low and stable while borrowers maintain their financial buffers.
Daily New Zealand equity market update showing the NZX50 benchmark fell 0.8% with Sanford leading gainers at +16%, while Ryman, Mainfreight, Vector and Summerset declined. The update provides individual stock movements for investors tracking their portfolios.
Labour has announced plans to allow state housing tenants to participate in a rent-to-buy scheme with $100 per week contributing towards a deposit. The policy also proposes raising the Kāinga Ora First Home Loan income cap to $300,000, expanding home purchase assistance.
September's median advertised rent on Trade Me Property remained unchanged compared to September of the previous year, indicating rental price stability in the residential market.
Analysis by Lynda Moore reveals that most New Zealanders are more concerned about cost-of-living pressures, mortgage payments and weekly budgets than about which party wins the election. The article explores whether electoral outcomes materially affect household spending patterns.
Heartland Group Holdings reports that reverse mortgage growth is partially offsetting declines in its rural, business and motor finance portfolios during the first quarter, while remaining on track to complete its TSB merger by December.
Economist Dambisa Moyo warns that financial markets have become heavily dependent on artificial intelligence investment, creating vulnerability to a significant market correction in technology stocks that could trigger a global economic downturn.
Coverage of the Reserve Bank's Official Cash Rate announcement, with the release expected to determine whether the OCR will increase for the third time in 2026. The outcome has significant implications for mortgage rates and household borrowing costs.
New Zealand retail investors will not be able to participate directly in the AI company Anthropic's initial public offering, though Australian investors have access. New Zealand investors will be able to purchase shares after the company begins trading on Nasdaq.