New Zealand’s annual inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), accelerated to 4.1% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 3.1% recorded in the first quarter of 2026. The latest year-over-year figure, updated on 20 July 2026, marks a notable reversal after the previous period’s lower reading.
Both the current and prior indicators reflect year-over-year changes, comparing each quarter’s price levels with the same quarter a year earlier. The first quarter’s 3.1% reading had pointed to easing inflationary pressures, but the move to 4.1% in the second quarter suggests renewed price momentum within the New Zealand economy.
The shift in the CPI trajectory will likely draw close attention from market participants and policymakers, as it may influence expectations around the future path of interest rates and broader economic conditions.
