Reserve Bank of New Zealand Chief Economist Paul Conway said Thursday the late-October interest rate decision remains “completely open,” despite persistent inflation pressures. Speaking at IMF and World Bank meetings in Bangkok, he stressed the need for flexibility: “We want the option of either holding steady or raising rates by 25 basis points, and I believe we currently have that option.” Conway reiterated that an official cash rate (OCR) hike is still viewed as “most likely,” though timing is undecided. He noted recent declines in oil prices and the New Zealand dollar have added short-term upward pressure, complicating the near-term inflation outlook. Still, the RBNZ expects inflation to ease back into the 1–3% target range next year, even if current dynamics remain unfavorable in the short run.