Employer Bulletin | 28 October
Aotearoa New Zealand’s consumers price index (CPI) increased 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.
The 3.0 percent increase follows a 2.7 percent increase in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target band for the annual inflation rate is 1 to 3 percent.
“The 3.0 percent annual inflation rate in the September 2025 quarter is the highest since the June 2024 quarter when it was 3.3 percent,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.
The largest contributors to the annual inflation rate were all in the housing and household utilities group. The main contributors were:
- Electricity – up 11.3 percent (10.1 percent contribution to the 3.0 percent annual CPI increase)
- Rent – up 2.6 percent (9.2 percent contribution)
- Local authority rates and payments – up 8.8 percent (9.2 percent contribution).
The top three contributors make up around 17 percent of the weight in the CPI basket.
In today’s Bulletin:
- Employer’s repeated breaches of employment standards result in $30,000 penalty
- Failure to provide work leads to constructive dismissal
- Alternative holidays not given for stand-by work on public holidays
- Vaccination protests failed to establish a personal grievance
- Trial period invalidated by incorrect execution
- Seven news updates of interest for employers including: Capital markets changes to boost business growth; Charging ahead with solar and sustainable buildings; Overwhelming construction industry support for key Health and Safety reforms; Annual inflation at 3.0 percent in September 2025; New Business Investor Work Visa opens pathway to residence; Inflation remains within target band, and Welfare sanctions expand to job searches, upskilling.
- Three bills open for submission
If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
