If you're planning a trip to New Zealand or doing business with Kiwis, understanding the NZD currency is essential. The New Zealand dollar is the official currency of New Zealand and is subdivided into 100 cents.
You can find NZD currency notes in denominations of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins come in 10c, 20c, 50c, and $1, $2, and $5 denominations.
The New Zealand dollar is a popular currency among tourists due to its relative stability and ease of exchange.
Exchange Rates and Currency
The New Zealand dollar has had a wild ride over the years. It was initially pegged to both the British pound sterling and the United States dollar at NZ$1 = UK£1⁄2 = US$1.40, but was devalued even more in 1967 to match the value of the Australian dollar.
In 1971, the US devalued its dollar relative to gold, and New Zealand pegged its dollar at US$1.216 with a 4.5% fluctuation range. This kept the same gold value as the US dollar.
Since then, the dollar's value has been determined by the financial markets, and has been in the range of about US$0.39 to 0.88. The dollar's post-float low was US$0.3922 on 22 November 2000, and it reached a post-float high on 9 July 2014 of US$0.8821.
The New Zealand dollar is among the 10 most-traded currencies, making it a significant player in global financial markets.
Here are some key dates in the history of the New Zealand dollar's exchange rate:
- 21 November 1967: The New Zealand dollar was devalued from NZ$1 = US$1.40 to US$1.12.
- 23 December 1971: The New Zealand dollar was pegged at US$1.216 with a 4.5% fluctuation range.
- 9 July 1973: The dollar's value was determined from a trade-weighted basket of currencies.
- 4 March 1985: The NZ$ was floated at the initial rate of US$0.4444.
- 11 June 2007: The Reserve Bank sold an unknown worth of New Zealand dollars for nine billion USD in an attempt to drive down its value.
- 22 November 2000: The dollar's post-float low was US$0.3922.
- 9 July 2014: The dollar reached a post-float high of US$0.8821.
New Zealand Currency
New Zealand Currency is comprised of coins and banknotes. The most recent issue of coins is from 2006, with the $1 coin being the largest and heaviest at 8g and 2.74mm thick.
The $1 coin features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a kiwi and silver fern on the reverse. The $2 coin is a bit smaller, measuring 26.50mm in diameter and 2.70mm in thickness, with a grooved edge.
New Zealand banknotes are also widely used, with the most recent issue being the seventh series, released in 2015 and 2016. The $5 banknote features Edmund Hillary on the obverse and a Campbell Island scene on the reverse, with a main colour of orange.
The $10 banknote features Kate Sheppard on the obverse and a river scene on the reverse, with a main colour of blue. The $20 banknote features Elizabeth II on the obverse and a New Zealand alpine scene on the reverse, with a main colour of green.
Here's a breakdown of the current circulating banknotes:
Banknotes and Coins
New Zealand's banknotes and coins are a reflection of the country's rich history and culture. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand issues both, and they can be found in circulation.
The current circulating coins in New Zealand include the 10c, 20c, 50c, $1, and $2 coins. The 10c coin is made of copper-plated steel and features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a Māori koruru on the reverse.
The $1 coin is made of aluminium bronze and features Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and a kiwi and silver fern on the reverse. It was first issued in 1991.
The $2 coin features a kotuku (great egret) on the reverse. The coins have undergone changes over the years, with new designs and materials being introduced.
Banknotes, on the other hand, have a longer history in New Zealand. The first banknotes were introduced in 1967 in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, and $100.
The original series of dollar notes featured Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and native birds and plants on the reverse. The notes were changed slightly in 1981 due to a change of printer.
A new series of notes, known as Series 5, was introduced in 1992, featuring a notable New Zealander on the obverse and a native New Zealand bird and scenery on the reverse.
The most recent issue of New Zealand banknotes is the seventh series, first released in October 2015 and May 2016. The $5 note features Edmund Hillary on the obverse and a Campbell Island scene on the reverse.
The $10 note features Kate Sheppard on the obverse and a river scene on the reverse. The $20 note features Elizabeth II on the obverse and a New Zealand alpine scene on the reverse.
The $50 note features Āpirana Ngata on the obverse and a conifer broadleaf forest scene on the reverse. The $100 note features Ernest Rutherford on the obverse and a beech forest scene on the reverse.
Here is a summary of the current circulating banknotes in New Zealand:
Currency Trading
The New Zealand dollar is a highly traded currency, and for good reason. It's one of the most traded currencies in the world, making it a liquid currency in forex markets.
According to the Bank for International Settlements, the New Zealand dollar's share of global foreign exchange market daily turnover in 2016 was 2.1%, giving it a rank of 11th. This is a significant increase from 2010, when its share was 1.6%.
The New Zealand dollar is a popular choice among international traders due to its high FX turnover compared to GDP. This is largely due to the country's strong economy and its role as a major exporter of goods such as dairy products and wine.
Here are some key statistics on the New Zealand dollar's performance in the global foreign exchange market:
These statistics demonstrate the New Zealand dollar's significant presence in the global foreign exchange market, making it an attractive option for traders and investors alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the US Dollar strong against the NZ dollar?
The US Dollar is currently up 11.64% against the NZ Dollar compared to one year ago, but has decreased by 0.29% from the previous market day. This indicates a mixed trend in the exchange rate.
Is the NZD going to get stronger?
Yes, the New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is expected to strengthen against the US Dollar in the coming 1-2 years, with a projected exchange rate of 0.5683 in 1 year and 0.574 in 2 years. This suggests a moderate increase in the NZD's value over the next 2 years.
Sources
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