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Statistics frequently asked questions

Q: What statistics are available from the Reserve Bank?

A: An “A-Z” alphabetical listing is available for series that appear in statistics published on the Reserve Bank website. Each series listing contains a hyperlink to the table in which the series appears. Statistics that feature on this website originate mostly from the Bank’s day to day financial market operations, from periodic financial surveys, or by the re-dissemination of official statistics. While every effort is made to ensure that the statistics published on this website are accurate, no liability is accepted for errors or omissions. Access and use of the Bank’s website statistical series are unrestricted. Source acknowledgement should be made where the Bank’s data are used in publications.

Q: Why are some long-term official series not supplied by the Reserve Bank?

A: The prime reason is copyright restrictions. A number of statistical series that feature on this website are compiled by third party agencies (notably the Economic Indicators tables A1 to A5). The source of each series has been identified in the series description section and users should approach the relevant institutions with any requirements unable to be met by this site. If any further assistance is required with the Bank’s long term official series, contact the Statistics Unit.

Q: Where can I find Reserve Bank data on lending to households?

A: For a comprehensive background, see Note on household claims historical series. Table C6 provides a sectoral breakdown of NZ dollar claims to households by registered banks and non-bank financial institutions (NBFI). Also available is a long run series called Household financial assets and liabilities (Excel 88KB). Further analyses of lending by registered banks and NBFI are available from the Aggregate Standard Statistical Return: see parts C (particularly CC1 memorandum items for the banks), D2 (sectoral analysis) and E (claim origination & residential loan analysis – not available for NBFI).

Q: Where can I find data on cards (credit, debit, EFT-POS, ATM)?

A: The Reserve Bank conducts a monthly credit card survey. Selected statistics on non-cash payment methods such as EFT-POS, debit cards and MICR, or other related information can be obtained from the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (PO Box 3043 Wellington, telephone 64 4 472 8838, fax 64 4 473 1698 or www.nzba.org.nz).

Q: Where can I find further statistical information on the New Zealand financial system ?

A: Published six-monthly, the Financial Stability Report assesses and reports on the soundness and efficiency of the New Zealand financial system. Various studies of the financial sector can also be found in past issues of the Bulletin. See for example:

For sources outside the Reserve Bank, see the Centre for Banking Studies at Massey University for reviews of banking activities in New Zealand. The Financial Services Federation provides a directory of institutional members. The Investment Savings Institute publishes life insurance data. KPMG Peat Marwick provides periodical sectoral reviews in their publications New Zealand financial institutions performance survey. Information on individual institutions are available from their published disclosure or financial statements. Credit Unions activities are covered in Parliamentary paper B.18 (Report of the Registrar of Friendly Societies and Credit Unions).