That whistling sound out of Wellington has come from the Establishment as it witnesses a powerful attack on the Reserve Bank.
One volley has been fired by senior economist Matt Burgess in a research note for the Wellington-based think-tank, the NZ Initiative. In Climate of fear: How the Reserve Bank is overstepping its mandate, he documents what he maintains are serious breaches of the RBNZ’s responsibilities as regulator of the financial system, including one instance of misconduct, as it becomes unduly preoccupied with climate change.
A second volley was fired by the NZ Initiative’s chief economist, Eric Crampton, in an article posted by Newsroom. He raises questions about the RBNZ’s independence from political interference.
A third has been fired by an experienced business journalist, Jenny Ruth, in an article for Business Desk. She has questioned the bank governor’s credibility.
All three refer to the RBNZ’s recent Climate Changed report, which included a strongly worded threat to the institutions it regulates. Continue reading “RBNZ will be feeling the heat as critics assail its focus on climate change – and mention bank research to buttress their stance”