Edit

Reserve Bank of NZ

https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/

Using the same information as the Reserve Bank, teams assess the economic conditions facing New Zealand and the outlook for inflation. Based upon their assessment of the economy, each team decides on an appropriate setting for the Official Cash Rate.

The Reserve Bank reviews the Official Cash Rate eight times a year and issues Monetary Policy Statements four times a year. Students taking part in the Monetary Policy Challenge consider the same information as Reserve Bank economists, and recommend whether the Official Cash Rate should go up, down, or stay the same.

Each team provides a written statement on their decision to show that they understand monetary policy and how the New Zealand economy works.

The written statements are sent to the competition judges – two Reserve Bank economists. Regional finalists are chosen, and attend regional finals where they give an oral presentation to the judges, justifying their decision. The judges then choose five teams of national finalists, who compete in Wellington for the national title.

The Monetary Policy Challenge links to NCEA achievement standard: Economics 3.4 (AS 906320).

For further information, please visit our website (www.rbnz.govt.nz/challenge) or email us ([email protected]).