The Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate again today, slicing 50 basis points from the previous 3 percent to make today’s rate a low 2.5 %.

Reserve Bank governor Alan Bollard said developments since March pointed to lower medium-term inflation than previously projected. He believed the main contributing factors were weaker global growth and an unwarranted tightening in financial conditions due to higher long-term interest rates and a stronger exchange rate than expected.

He expected the hefty decline in the OCR over the past year to pass through interest rates to more borrowers over coming quarters as existing fixed-rate mortgages come up for re-pricing.

He said this, combined with the stimulus from fiscal policy, would support the kiwi economy, leading to activity hitting a low and then picking up. It would take some time for economic activity to return to its former glory however, given the scale of the global financial crisis and domestic adjustments underway.

It’s expected the OCR could still move modestly lower over the coming quarters.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so make your Mum feel extra special this year with the best gift you can give.
Yes, it may be cheesy, but the gift of time will truly be the most valuable gift you can lavish on your Mum this year.
There are endless options when it comes to spoiling mums with flowers, lavish meals, pamper packages and gifts, but as long as you schedule some time out with your Mum on May 9 she’ll be delighted.
If the weather permits, why not try celebrating Mother’s Day with a special picnic with all the trimmings at the local botanical gardens or park?
Or organise a day of cinematic fun at home, watching a selection of her favourite chick flicks from the comfort of the living room with a bag of hot popcorn at the ready. If you’re unsure which films to choose from, have a look at our tried and trusted ideas for Mother’s Day DVDs to get you started.
If you want to add a little something extra to make the day all the more special, you don’t have to spend huge amounts of money. Just remember the perfect gifts for Mother’s Day are always personalised, and as unique as your special Mum.

Latest super 14 results from this weekend’s competition (week 11, April 24- 26):

• Highlanders lost to the Stormers; 11-18
• W Force beat the Lions; 55-14
• Blues lost to the Reds; 24-31
• Hurricanes beat the Brumbies; 56-7
• Cheetahs beat the Crusaders; 20-13
• Bulls beat the Cheifs; 33-27
• The Waratahs and Sharks had a bye; 0-0

For more detailed information, check out the Super 14 results page on NZS.com. Also be sure to check out the Super 14 standings to find out which team is on top, and stay tuned to the blog for the latest results every Monday throughout the season.

ANZAC Day is this weekend (25th April 2009) when many New Zealanders and Australians will be attending remembrance services through-out the day, traditional at dawn.

The New Zealand RSA has put together a list of remembrance services that are being held across the country for any of those who are looking to find their local service.

2009 is the first year when direct donation is available online where you can plant a poppy in an online field of rememberance.

Your mum is a special lady – so don’t forget Mother’s Day coming up on May 9 this year. Dedicate your whole day to your mum, making sure she doesn’t lift a finger herself.

Planning a day just for mum can be as fun-filled or laid back as you like. Whether it is breakfast in bed, brunch and flowers, or a ride in a hot air balloon, mum will appreciate any effort if it comes from the heart. Check out our guide to celebrating mother’s day in New Zealand.

While you’ve got some time to prepare, make a card for Mother’s Day, using a Mother’s Day poem. It’s a simple, heartfelt way to show mum you love her with your words.

Latest super 14 results from this weekend’s competition (week 10, April 17- 19):

• Highlanders lost to the Blues; 6-26
• Brumbies beat the Bulls; 32-31
• Hurricanes beat the Stormers; 34-11
• Reds lost to the Lions; 20-31
• Waratahs lost to the W Force; 14-15
• Cheetahs lost to the Cheifs; 10-28
• Sharks lost to the Crusaders; 10-13

For more detailed information, check out the Super 14 results page on NZS.com. Also be sure to check out the Super 14 standings to find out which team is on top, and stay tuned to the blog for the latest results every Monday throughout the season.

Easter is over, so we’ve got a bit of a break until the next public holiday. Seasonal keywords are always great to target if your product or service is offering holiday specials (how did you go targeting Easter seasonal keywords?)

While it’s not a stat holiday (although some might argue it should be!) Mother’s Day is coming up in May. If you’re having a Mother’s Day sale on your website, start thinking about targeting key phrases now.

Here’s a helpful list of Mother’s Day-related keyword searches which were popular on NZS.com last year:

• mothers day
• mothers day poems
• mothers day gifts
• mothers day quotes
• mothers day poem
• mothers day gift ideas
• mothers day ideas
• mother’s day poem
• mothers day present

Get in quick are you’ve got the best chance of gaining a good search engine rank for your Mother’s Day-specific pages!

Thinking about investment property in Auckland or other places throughout New Zealand? You better start acting quickly. The New Zealand housing market is proving quite the buyer’s dream at the moment.

With property prices the lowest in years, it seems baby boomers (those aged 44-62) are jumping on the low mortgage rates bandwagon and investing in new homes. There was a staggering 45% increase in real estate mortgage applications last month (compared to March 2008) by baby boomers. Those younger than the group in mention are also increasingly trying to buy property; there has been a 34% increase in 28-43 year olds applying for mortgages over the same period last year.

This activity seemingly reflects the lower interest rates invigorating demand, and is showing that investment property is continuing to give good rates of return. The market are jumping at the chance to get fixed terms locked in at these rates, so brush up on your real estate NZ knowledge and pick up a great new property!

Latest super 14 results from this weekend’s competition (week 9, April 10 – 11):

• Blues beat the Lions; 36-12
• W Force lost to the Hurricanes; 27-28
• Highlanders beat the Reds; 24-19
• Brumbies beat the Stormers; 17-10
• Waratahs lost to the Bulls; 6-20
• Cheetahs beat the Sharks; 31-6

For more detailed information, check out the Super 14 results page on NZS.com. Also be sure to check out the Super 14 standings to find out which team is on top, and stay tuned to the blog for the latest results every Monday throughout the season.

You’ve still got a few days until Easter Sunday or organise your Easter treats. What do you have planned? Make sure before you and your family dig into the indulgent side of Easter you understand the meaning of Easter and why it is celebrated.

While Easter is a fun time for kids, adults can indulge in a little chocolate too. Check out the chocolate shops on NZS.com for some inspiration!

If are keen on making your own Easter eggs (it’s easier than it sounds) check out our Easter egg recipes. For those who want to enjoy Easter without the super-sweet tooth, how about some homemade hot cross buns? Easter baking isn’t restricted to chocolate, so get the oven firing this weekend.

Image from Flickr.