Buying guide

OCR predictions for 2026 & 2027

What’s the Reserve Bank's next move?

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 28 November 2025 | 7 min read
AI

AI summary

Most experts, including the Reserve Bank, believe the Official Cash Rate (OCR) has likely bottomed out at 2.25%. The consensus forecast is for a stable OCR through 2026, followed by gradual increases starting in 2027, though this depends on future economic data.

For homeowners, this suggests mortgage rates are at or near their lows. Now may be a good time to consider fixing for longer terms or splitting your mortgage across several terms to manage risk.

Reserve Bank OCR predictions (August MPS)
%202620272028
MarchMarch2.252.252.342.342.732.73
JuneJune2.22.22.452.452.82.8
SepSep2.232.232.552.552.872.87
DecDec2.282.282.652.652.92.9

We could be at the bottom of the cycle

As always, next moves depend on the data

Bank economist OCR predictions %
ForecasterMarch 2026June 2026September 2026December 2026March 2027
ANZANZ2.252.252.252.252.252.252.252.252.502.50
Kiwibank Kiwibank 2.202.202.152.152.202.202.502.50--
WestpacWestpac2.252.252.252.252.252.252.252.25--
ASBASB2.252.252.252.252.252.252.252.252.502.50
BNZBNZ2.252.252.252.252,252,252.252.252.502.50

Kiwibank

ANZ

BNZ

Westpac

ASB

OCR predictions NZ – our summary

The OCR could directly affect your level of disposable income.

What do NZ OCR predictions mean for interest rates?

How long should I fix my mortgage?

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer