Mortgage repayments could be about to fall further, with speculation the Reserve Bank is preparing to cut interest rates again
Mortgage repayments could be about to fall further, with speculation the Reserve Bank is preparing to cut interest rates again
5 August 2019
The Herald Premium is reporting expectations amongst economists of a quarter-point cut, in this week's monetary policy statement.
If it happens, the Official Cash Rate would be at a new record low of 1.25 percent.
The paper reports the money markets are also talking about another cut in November, taking the rate to just 1 percent.
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The Green Party wants to make it easier for New Zealanders to own their own home.
At the annual conference in Dunedin they said they are ready to negotiate a rent-to-own policy as part of the Government's KiwiBuild reset.
Co-leader Marama Davidson says part of the rent would go toward the deposit.
Other proposed reforms include changes to the Residential Tenancies Act, and a mandatory warrant of fitness to enforce proper standards.
Meanwhile, a high ranking Green Party member has taken a parting shot at James Shaw.
The Party's policy co-convenor Jack McDonald says he's leaving because of the Greens' centrist drift under Shaw.
He says there's no time for centrism or moderation.
McDonald ran on the party's list at the last election, but says he won't be seeking re-election.
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Police in Dayton, Ohio have confirmed a gunman is dead after he opened fire outside a bar.
It's the second deadly mass shooting in the US in less than 24 hours, after a 21 year-old shot crowds at a Walmart store in Texas.
He left 20 people dead, and 26 injured.
Dayton Police's Assistant Police chief Matt Carper says nine people have been killed, and another 16 injured.
Carper says they're still working to establish the gunman's motive.
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Iran is claiming members of its Revolutionary Guard have seized an oil tanker, in the Persian Gulf.
State TV says the vessel was smuggling fuel to some Arab states.
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Former colleagues, coaches and All Blacks management have been leading tributes to the late Sir Brian Lochore.
His string of achievements include captaining the side through 18 tests, before coaching them to their 1987 World Cup win.
He also was largely present in rugby communities around the country, and has had a Heartland Championship trophy named after him since 2006.
Former coach John Hart believes Lochore's legacy cannot be overstated.
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