How the competition works

The Monetary Policy Challenge gives you a rare opportunity to become a central banker – at least for a few weeks!

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.

Your team’s statement should show you really understand monetary policy and how the New Zealand economy works. It should be supported by sound reasoning that takes into account current economic conditions – domestic and international – as well as the outlook for inflation.

Your written statement is 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.

Visit each stage for further information on the competition:

Stage one – Teams enter competition
Stage two – Forecasting and decision making
Stage three – Regional finals
Stage four – National Finals
Stage five – Winner’s visit
Wildcard entry
Prizes