Inflation New Zealand 1989
Average inflation: 5.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 5.7%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in September at 7.2%. The lowest inflation was in March at 4.0%.
- Highest month
- September: 7.2%
- Lowest month
- March: 4.0%
- Difference
- 3.2 percentage points
- Months with data
- 4 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food with an average of 9.1%. The lowest price increase was in Energy with an average of 2.3%.
- Highest increase
- Food: 9.1%
- Lowest increase
- Energy: 2.3%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 5.6% lower than the 5-year average of 11.3%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (5.7% in 1989).
- 5-year average
- 11.3%
- 10-year average
- 11.9%
- All-time high (1980)
- 17.2%
- All-time low (1989)
- 5.7%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1988, inflation has fallen by +0.7 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.7 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: -5.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 3.7% 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 €105.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1989
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1988 |
|---|---|---|
| March | 4.0% | -5.0 |
| June | 4.4% | -1.9 |
| September | 7.2% | +1.6 |
| December | 7.2% | +2.5 |
| Average | 5.7% |
Data source
Data from WorldBank. Last updated: 04/01/2026.