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OECD Says New Zealand Should Stop Frequent Changes to RBNZ Mandate

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The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said New Zealand should reconsider how frequently it adjusts the Reserve Bank of New Zealand's remit, as frequent changes raise the risk of monetary policy mistakes, according to a Thursday report published by the organization.

The central bank's remit is set by New Zealand's Minister of Finance and covers its operational objectives, including the target inflation range.

The OECD said there have been frequent changes to the monetary policy mandate and remit since 2019, and that maintaining stability outside scheduled five-year review cycles would support the bank's credibility and enhance its ability to deliver on its inflation objectives.

The organization recommended reinforcing the RBNZ's operational independence and credibility, noting that maintaining stability for the full five-year cycle until the 2028 review would support predictability, credibility, and confidence in the monetary policy regime.

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