Views from The Treehouse

Here you'll find a well-rounded set of opinions from various writers. We welcome alternative views so in line with our philosophy of fairness, we will air other thought-provoking viewpoints here from our valued and experienced friends around the globe as well as our own news and views.

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Recent Articles

Person making a card payment using an EFTPOS terminal

7 July 2025


Rodney’s Ravings: Things aren’t as gloomy as card spending data suggests

By Rodney Dickens

Stats NZ's monthly card spending data is often seen as an indicator of economic health—and if the latest numbers are anything to go by, we're a country still deep in recession. But card spending data only represents one part of the equation, says Rodney Dickens, and the reality is things aren't as bad as they first appear.

Latest interest rates & property market updates

1 July 2025


Watch the latest interest rates and property market updates

By Squirrel

Watch our latest update on interest rates and the property market - covering house prices, the economy, the OCR and where mortgage rates might be heading. 

Woman sitting on a couch with her head in her hands, while a man (her partner) stands behind the couch looking at his phone

25 June 2025


What happens to your mortgage in a divorce?

By John Bolton

If you're going through a divorce, you probably have a whole lot of questions about navigating changes to your mortgage, and where to next. We’ve got you covered.

Sunrise over frosty fields, with hills in the background

23 June 2025


Christchurch property market update – June 2025

By Nathan Miglani

The Christchurch property market is going about its business—quietly tracking upwards and leading the way for New Zealand's recovery. Here's the latest on what's been happening with interest rates, house prices and the wider South Island property market this month.

Picture of a cosy looking lounge, with a fire burning, and a view out over some hills

23 June 2025


Wellington property market update - June 2025

By Nick Virtue

Winter might be upon us, but that hasn't been much of a deterrent for Wellington first home buyers who are still leading the charge—making the most of high stock levels (and a lack of FOMO) on their hunt for the right property. Here's the latest from the Wellington housing market this month.

Close up of a green shoot growing from a branch

23 June 2025


NZ property market update - June 2025

By John Bolton

With interest rates just a fraction from the bottom, things on the home front (particularly in the South Island) are starting to look up. But overseas, there's a whole raft of factors playing out causing uncertainty and volatility over the future of longer-term interest rates. Here's the latest on interest rates, house prices, and the domestic and global economy.

Two people stretching outside in winter with snow on the ground around them

9 June 2025


Rodney’s Ravings: The winter slowdown doesn’t drag on NZ house prices

By Rodney Dickens

In some parts of the world, like the US, the drop-off in house sales over winter is big enough to have a dramatic impact on house prices—but not so in New Zealand. Squirrel guest blogger Rodney Dickens dives into the data in his latest article.

Group of people sitting in a theatre or cinema, looking ahead.

29 May 2025


All eyes on interest rates: Key OCR dates to watch for in 2025

By Squirrel

Now that we're well on the path to lower interest rates—and with a little more relief still on the horizon—here are the key OCR dates you need to watch out for over the remainder of 2025.

Close up of a person cutting thin slices of a lemon on a chopping board

28 May 2025


OCR & interest rates update – May 2025

By John Bolton

And another 0.25% it is! Just as expected, the RBNZ dropped the OCR from 3.50% to 3.25% on 28 May. But while every step closer to neutral is a step in the right direction, how much of a difference will it really make to mortgage rates?

Wooden Kiwi toy sitting on a map of the Asia Pacific region

14 May 2025


NZ property market update - May 2025

By John Bolton

The key takeaway this month? It's a bit of a mixed bag out there right now—but, even with the global situation (which all feels pretty scary and uncertain) it's not all bad news. Here's the latest on what's been happening with interest rates, the New Zealand housing market, and the domestic and global economy.

Black cat laying on top of a concrete wall, peering over the edge

14 May 2025


Wellington property market update - May 2025

By Nick Virtue

While first home buyer activity is picking up, conditions are still challenging for sellers—and those looking to upgrade are having to be careful about how they juggle the buying and selling process. Here's the latest on Wellington's property market, and interest rates, from our Wellington mortgage expert, Nick Virtue.

Roll of US bank notes resting on the US and Chinese flags, laying side by side.

13 May 2025


Rodney’s Ravings: How Trump’s trade war could help boost the housing market

By Rodney Dickens

The not-so-good news: US trade wars look set to tip the global economy into a period of low-growth over the next few years. The upside: NZ interest rates could drop further than expected in the coming months as a result, helping to bring some life back to the housing market.