The jobless rate rise to 5.3% in the September quarter is the highest since late 2016.
The RBNZ's Monetary Policy Committee voted on whether to cut by 25bps or 50bps, with a majority of four votes to two in favour of 25bps.
Statistics NZ data shows food prices jumped 5% in the year ended July, as inflation pressures bubble away.
It says there is merit in having an agency undertake independent scrutiny of public finances.
Inaugural survey highlights a two-tier economy, with economic optimism continuing to put the South Island ahead.
Economists expected the rate for the June quarter to be even worse.
Bank's senior economists suggest Trump is pleased with tariff deals, and there'll be more rate cuts as countries navigate inflation and tariffs.
Smaller firms are struggling more than larger counterparts and hope for more interest rate cuts, according to Kiwibank.
Chief economist Paul Conway says global growth is expected to be more modest and monetary policy is not ‘set and forget’.
Email exchange in which Neil Quigley wrote, ‘I am sorry Adrian lost his cool’, was just two weeks before former governor’s sudden resignation.