Overview
- Reserve Bank governor Anna Breman joined international central bankers last week in signing a statement supporting US Fed chair Jerome Powell after he faced criminal charges from the US Justice Department.
- Finance Minister Nicola Willis said Breman did not inform her beforehand and should have sought advice from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Treasury.
- Willis said no apology was required but she expects consultation before any future international statements of this kind.
- Foreign Minister Winston Peters criticised the move, saying the governor should "stay in her New Zealand lane," while the Prime Minister stressed the government does not comment on other countries' internal affairs.
- The Reserve Bank said Breman's signature represented the institution's support for central bank independence, and Labour leader Chris Hipkins said he had no problem with the letter.