But another expert says the increases are likely not over yet – and will have a mixed bag of impacts, not all bad.

Meridian can require the smelter to cut demand when the electricity system is under stress – for a fee.

The Reserve Bank has raised the official cash rate by 50 basis points to 5.25 percent.

Spark will prioritise investment in data centres and new technologies to fuel its growth over the next three years.

A decision by the Reserve Bank to lift the rate to 5 percent is regarded as a given by financial markets.

A new study suggests legal and other barriers in the banking system are financially disenfranchising many thousands of New Zealanders.

House prices continue to fall in an “orderly” manner as households tighten their belts amid higher interest rates and inflation pressure.