Robbie Taylor, Reserve Bank Manager of Money and Cash Policy, says currency in circulation is influenced by public demand for cash. This is impacted by several factors including population growth and inflation, changing payment and shopping preferences, and reduced access to bank branches for cash services making it harder for individuals and retailers to bank cash. Prohibit cash payments for professional services: Ban cash payments to lawyers, accountants, immigration advisers, and real estate agents to reduce laundering risks. Small businesses 'adversely affected if cash was unavailable' & the RBNZ's seigniorageTaylor notes the Reserve Bank regularly surveys New Zealanders’ cash use. "Our own survey tells us while over 80% of adults use cash sometimes, over half (56%) store cash and 8% rely on cash," says Taylor.

Source: Stuff February 17, 2026 00:00 UTC