Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua
25 September 2026
A new internal member of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s (RBNZ) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), Rebecca Williams, has been appointed by the Minister of Finance, Nicola Willis, on the recommendation of the RBNZ Board.
The MPC is responsible for the monetary policy decisions needed to support price stability.
Ms Williams, Senior Manager Economics at RBNZ, starts a one-year term on 15 October 2026. Ms Williams fills a seat on the Committee that has been vacant since March 2025 and ensures continuity of internal membership following Karen Silk’s departure.
“We are delighted to welcome Rebecca to the MPC. She has worked extensively in monetary policy and forecasting, including advising the MPC on the current state of the New Zealand economy,” RBNZ Chair Rodger Finlay says.
“Rebecca brings a strong understanding of the monetary policy settings required to meet the Bank’s inflation objective.”
Ms Williams joined RBNZ in 2010 and has a BCom (Hons) in Economics and a BA in History from the University of Canterbury.
“We look forward to working with Rebecca, whose many years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, including leadership of analysts, will be a real asset to the Committee,” RBNZ Governor and MPC Chair Dr Anna Breman says.
“With her analytical capabilities alongside deep institutional knowledge, I know Rebecca will make a significant contribution to our work.”
Ms Williams will take part in the Monetary Policy Review being delivered on 28 October 2026.
NOTES
Separately, on 16 September 2026, RBNZ announced the retirement of Assistant Governor Money and internal MPC member Karen Silk, who will depart the Bank in mid-December.
The Governor has used the forthcoming vacancy to review the shape of the Executive Leadership Team. Two Assistant Governor roles, Assistant Governor Monetary Policy and Assistant Governor Payments and Cash, will be established. The RBNZ Board expects to recommend the new Assistant Governor Monetary Policy to the Minister of Finance for appointment to the Monetary Policy Committee.