TITLE: New Zealand Reserve Bank Publishes Alternate Formats for Cash Consultation
BODY:
On June 2, 2026, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) published alternate formats of its Keeping Cash Local consultation document and survey to ensure accessibility for disabled people and their communities. The alternate formats include New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL), Braille, Easy Read, Audio, and Large Print versions.
The RBNZ launched the Keeping Cash Local consultation to gather public feedback on local access to cash services, including withdrawals, deposits, and exchanges of cash for low-denomination banknotes and coins. Karen Silk, Assistant Governor Money at the RBNZ, said that "cash is still important in New Zealand, but cash can only remain useful if cash services are available and easy to access, which is why we want to hear people's views." The consultation has generated significant public interest, with more than 5,000 responses received to date. The RBNZ extended the original consultation deadline to July 31, 2026, to allow additional time for people and industry participants to provide their feedback.
Alongside the alternate format publications, the RBNZ released additional information in response to questions raised through Official Information Act (OIA) requests. This supplementary material complements the proposal's legal basis information that the RBNZ published in the previous month. The RBNZ emphasises that no decisions have been made regarding the proposals outlined in the consultation and welcomes a range of views from all stakeholders.
The consultation represents the RBNZ's commitment to ensuring that cash services meet the needs of the New Zealand public while maintaining accessibility for all community members.