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Explaining central bank trust in an inflation-targeting country: the case of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Author

Listed:
  • Bernd Hayo
  • Florian Neumeier

Abstract

Employing data from a representative population survey conducted in New Zealand in 2016, this paper examines factors that influence, or are at least associated with, public trust in the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ). The large number of specifically designed questions allows the study of the relationship between six groups of variables and RBNZ trust: (i) economic situation, (ii) monetary policy knowledge, (iii) non-specific trust, (iv) interest and information search, (v) politicians and government, and (vi) socio-demographic indicators. Using ordered logit models, we find that respondents who put more trust in RBNZ are financially satisfied, have more objective and subjective knowledge about the RBNZ, have higher trust in government institutions, are interested in the RBNZ, are older, and are self-employed. The reverse impact is found for those who do not acquire information about the RBNZ and believe that politicians foster the long-term well-being of their country. Institutional trust has the greatest economic impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Bernd Hayo & Florian Neumeier, 2021. "Explaining central bank trust in an inflation-targeting country: the case of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand," Oxford Economic Papers, Oxford University Press, vol. 73(1), pages 27-48.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxecpp:v:73:y:2021:i:1:p:27-48.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oep/gpz078
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    Cited by:

    1. Bernd Hayo & Florian Neumeier, 2022. "Households’ inflation perceptions and expectations: survey evidence from New Zealand," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 185-217, February.
    2. Michael Ehrmann, 2026. "Trust in Central Banks," Journal of Economic Surveys, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 40(1), pages 492-504, February.
    3. Alan S. Blinder & Michael Ehrmann & Jakob de Haan & David-Jan Jansen, 2024. "Central Bank Communication with the General Public: Promise or False Hope?," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 62(2), pages 425-457, June.
    4. Baranyai, Eszter & Kolozsi, Pál Péter & Neszveda, Gábor & Lehmann, Kristóf & Banai, Ádám, 2025. "The impact of the green direction in central banking on the general public's trust: Evidence from Hungary," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    5. Isabel Gameiro & Rita Duarte & Ildeberta Abreu, 2024. "Reaching out to the general public: a challenging journey for central banks," Economic Bulletin and Financial Stability Report Articles and Banco de Portugal Economic Studies, Banco de Portugal, Economics and Research Department.
    6. Cars Hommes & Julien Pinter & Isabelle Salle, 2023. "What People Believe about Monetary Finance and What We Can(‘t) Do about It: Evidence from a Large-Scale, Multi-Country Survey Experiment," CESifo Working Paper Series 10574, CESifo.
    7. Hwang, In Do & Lustenberger, Thomas & Rossi, Enzo, 2023. "Central bank communication and public trust: The case of ECB speeches," Journal of International Money and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 137(C).
    8. Bernd Hayo & Florian Neumeier, 2018. "Central Bank Independence in New Zealand: Public Knowledge About and Attitude Towards the Policy Target Agreement," ifo Working Paper Series 266, ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich.
    9. Hayo, Bernd, 2023. "Does the ECB's monetary policy affect personal finances and economic inequality? A household perspective from Germany," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 129(C).
    10. Lamla, Michael & PJaifar, Damian & Rendell, Lea, 2019. "Inflation and Deflationary Biases in Inflation Expectations," Essex Finance Centre Working Papers 24771, University of Essex, Essex Business School.
    11. Hayo, Bernd & Neumeier, Florian, 2020. "Public knowledge about and attitudes towards central bank independence in New Zealand," Journal of Banking & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 113(C).
    12. Brouwer, Nils & de Haan, Jakob, 2022. "Trust in the ECB: Drivers and consequences," European Journal of Political Economy, Elsevier, vol. 74(C).
    13. Christian Alexander Belabed & Mariya Hake, 2018. "Income inequality and trust in national governments in Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe," Working Papers 222, Oesterreichische Nationalbank (Austrian Central Bank).
    14. repec:ptu:bdpart:e202410 is not listed on IDEAS

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • E52 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Monetary Policy
    • E58 - Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics - - Monetary Policy, Central Banking, and the Supply of Money and Credit - - - Central Banks and Their Policies
    • Z1 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics

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