Inflation New Zealand 1980
Average inflation: 17.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 17.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in March at 18.4%. The lowest inflation was in December at 16.1%.
- Highest month
- March: 18.4%
- Lowest month
- December: 16.1%
- Difference
- 2.3 percentage points
- Months with data
- 4 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Energy with an average of 23.8%. The lowest price increase was in Core inflation with an average of 16.1%.
- Highest increase
- Energy: 23.8%
- Lowest increase
- Core inflation: 16.1%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 2.4% higher than the 5-year average of 14.8%. This approaches the highest level since records began (17.2% in 1980).
- 5-year average
- 14.8%
- 10-year average
- 12.6%
- All-time high (1980)
- 17.2%
- All-time low (1972)
- 7%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1979, inflation has risen by +3.6 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +3.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: +8.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 15.2% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €117.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1980
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1979 |
|---|---|---|
| March | 18.4% | +8.0 |
| June | 17.9% | +5.5 |
| September | 16.3% | +1.1 |
| December | 16.1% | -0.4 |
| Average | 17.2% |
Data source
Data from WorldBank. Last updated: 04/01/2026.