The Reserve Bank may have to hike the OCR sooner than expected, with inflation tracking higher than forecast. 

Inflation remains at 3.1% – unchanged on three months ago. 

ASB economists say the central bank could be facing a "nightmare scenario" of soaring inflation, against the backdrop of a fragile economy. 

Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge it’s increasingly likely the Reserve Bank will start lifting the OCR around July. 

He says they believe it will wind up around 3.25% – a more neutral level for the rate.  

LISTEN ABOVE 

The Reserve Bank may have to hike the OCR sooner than expected, with inflation tracking higher than forecast.&nbsp;
Inflation remains at 3.1% – unchanged on three months ago.&nbsp;
ASB economists say the central bank could be facing a "nightmare scenario" of soaring inflation, against the backdrop of a fragile economy.&nbsp;
Chief Economist Nick Tuffley told Ryan Bridge it’s increasingly likely the Reserve Bank will start lifting the OCR around July.&nbsp;
He says they believe it will wind up around 3.25% – a more neutral level for the rate. &nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the inflation rate staying steady at 3.1%, when the OCR may be lifted

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/7ce79b6e-bba5-44a9-bcef-b43301861e94/transcript

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 23 April.

Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Listen to the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast for Thursday 23 April. 
Get the Early Edition with Ryan Bridge Full Show Podcast every weekday morning on iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Full Show Podcast: 23 April 2026 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/c8c924f7-fdeb-4a14-b339-b434012bae21/transcript

Demand for health workers is leading more people to take up health courses. 

Ministry of Education data shows 52 thousand people were studying some form of health course last year – the most since records began a decade ago. 

That includes 17,800 people studying nursing. 

Auckland University Dean of Medical and Health Sciences Warwick Bagg told Ryan Bridge more people are highly motivated to join the industry.  

He says health is the largest employer in the country, and it's a great opportunity for people to contribute to a diverse workforce. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

Demand for health workers is leading more people to take up health courses.&nbsp;
Ministry of Education data shows 52 thousand people were studying some form of health course last year – the most since records began a decade ago.&nbsp;
That includes 17,800 people studying nursing.&nbsp;
Auckland University Dean of Medical and Health Sciences Warwick Bagg told Ryan Bridge more people are highly motivated to join the industry. &nbsp;
He says health is the largest employer in the country, and it's a great opportunity for people to contribute to a diverse workforce.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

Warwick Bagg: Auckland University Dean of Medical and Health Sciences on the record number of people studying health courses

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/f2d1cd8e-3b1a-4603-a356-b433017ffb54/transcript

A former National cabinet minister says the party needs to move on from internal wrangling to the more pressing issues at hand.

Christopher Luxon passed a vote of confidence at yesterday's caucus meeting.

MPs aren't revealing details of the vote, including how many of them supported Luxon.

Former minister Chris Finlayson told Ryan Bridge the path forward for National is simple.

He says they need to deliver a good Budget, pass RMA reforms, sign the India free trade agreement, and start speaking highly of each other and campaigning in a unified way.

LISTEN ABOVE

A former National cabinet minister says the party needs to move on from internal wrangling to the more pressing issues at hand.
Christopher Luxon passed a vote of confidence at yesterday's caucus meeting.
MPs aren't revealing details of the vote, including how many of them supported Luxon.
Former minister Chris Finlayson told Ryan Bridge the path forward for National is simple.
He says they need to deliver a good Budget, pass RMA reforms, sign the India free trade agreement, and start speaking highly of each other and campaigning in a unified way.
LISTEN ABOVE

Chris Finlayson: Former National cabinet minister on Christopher Luxon's vote of confidence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/4e692df5-0f38-4962-8cd1-b433012d931d/transcript

Nick Tuffley: ASB Chief Economist on the inflation rate staying steady at 3.1%, when the OCR may be lifted

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