09/04/2026
π° What is the Official Cash Rate (OCR)? π°
The Official Cash Rate (OCR) is an interest rate set by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), which is the banker for our commercial banks. It is the wholesale rate at which banks can borrow money and it influences all the other interest rates you see out there, like those for mortgages and savings accounts.
When the RBNZ changes the OCR, it can have a pretty big ripple effect on your wallet.
Currently the OCR is sitting at 2.25%.
π Why are OCR Announcements important? π
The RBNZ uses these announcements to signal its thinking about the economy. If activity is high and prices are increasing, they might increase the OCR to cool things down. Or, if the economy is sluggish and people arenβt spending, they might lower it to encourage borrowing and spending.
π Key Official Cash Rate (OCR) Announcement Dates for 2026 π
The Reserve Bank has a pretty regular schedule for their OCR announcements. They tend to happen every couple of months, with some being more in-depth than others. The big ones, called Monetary Policy Statements, usually come with a more detailed look at the economy and the RBNZβs thinking. The other announcements are Monetary Policy Reviews, which are more like check-ins.
Hereβs the full list of key OCR announcement dates for 2026 -
βΊοΈ 27th May 2026 - Monetary Policy Statement & OCR announcement
βΊοΈ 8th July 2026 - Monetary Policy Review & OCR announcement
βΊοΈ 2nd September 2026 - Monetary Policy Statement & OCR announcement
βΊοΈ 28th October 2026 - Monetary Policy Review & OCR announcement
βΊοΈ 9th December 2026 - Monetary Policy Statement & OCR announcement
If you're unsure what the OCR announcements mean for you and your mortgage, the team at Wayne Henry Mortgages are available to chat anytime.
Let's chat!
π 021708235
π» [email protected]