The consumers price index (CPI) rose 0.6% in the September quarter, pushed up by a 1.6% rise in the housing sector and taking the annual inflation rate to 2.5%.
Sunday, October 17th 2004, 8:36AM
by The Landlord
That housing sector rise was pushed up by a 1.9% increase from higher prices for the construction & purchase of new homes plus 3.2% for increases in council rates.
Statistics NZ said alcohol & higher prices for international flights also contributed. The 2.2% rise in the tobacco & alcohol index was driven by an increase in excise duty on 1 June. International air travel prices rose 5.9%, raising the transport index 0.5%.
Major contributors to the 2.5% annual inflation rate were construction prices, up 9%, & petrol up 11.9%.
The inflation rate was last at 2.5% 18 months ago. It got down to 1.5% for 3 of the next 4 quarters then rose to 2.4% in the June quarter.
