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Next OCR announcement in NZ - Calendar for 2026

Key dates for the official cash rate in 2026 and 2027

Ben Tutty
Last updated: 10 February 2026 | 3 min read
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New Zealand's Official Cash Rate (OCR), set by the Reserve Bank (RBNZ), influences interest rates for mortgages and the wider economy. The RBNZ has scheduled seven OCR announcements for 2026, with the first on 18 February 2026.

While the RBNZ initially predicted a stable rate, stronger-than-expected inflation has led some economists to forecast a potential increase. Experts from Infometrics, ANZ, and KiwiBank offer varied timelines, highlighting significant economic uncertainty for homeowners and borrowers.

The 2026 OCR announcement dates

What is the OCR?

The Reserve Bank is a government owned entity that sets interest rates.

What is the OCR forecast for 2026?

Author

Ben Tutty Ben Tutty
Content Writer