Consumers Price Index: September 2012 quarter

In the September 2012 quarter compared with the June 2012 quarter:

• The consumers price index (CPI) rose 0.3 percent. 
• The main upward contribution came from the food group (up 1.1 percent), reflecting seasonally higher vegetable prices.
• Housing and household utility prices rose 0.8 percent, reflecting higher local authority rates, rentals for housing, and purchase of newly built houses.
• The miscellaneous goods and services group rose 1.1 percent, reflecting higher prices for dwelling insurance.
• The main downward contribution came from the transport group (down 1.1 percent), reflecting lower prices for second-hand cars, domestic air fares, and petrol.

From the September 2011 quarter to the September 2012 quarter:

• The CPI increased 0.8 percent. This is the smallest annual movement since a 0.5 percent increase for the year to the December 1999 quarter.

The CPI measures the rate of price change of goods and services purchased by New Zealand households. Statistics NZ visits 3,000 shops around New Zealand to collect prices for the CPI and check product sizes and features.