The Reserve Bank is the sole supplier of New Zealand banknotes and coins. We act as a wholesale distributor to the trading banks, and manage the design and manufacturing of the currency. We also withdraw damaged or unusable notes and coins to manage the quality of currency in circulation.
For a general overview of New Zealand’s currency with imagery of coins and banknotes, consult the publication Explaining New Zealand currency (PDF 32KB).
The Reserve Bank has had sole authority to issue New Zealand’s banknotes since 1934. The Bank reviews and improves New Zealand’s banknotes to ensure the security features within them are updated, and work is under way to upgrade the current series of banknotes.
The Reserve Bank has had legal authority over coinage since 1989. This section includes information on the history, design and number of mintings for the imperial and decimal coins, commemorative coins and the coins we use today.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Act 1989 restricts the reproduction of banknotes and coins and the issue of ‘money-like products’. This legislation aims to protect the integrity of New Zealand’s money, allowing the public to have confidence in the value of the currency and limiting the risk that the public will be misled by counterfeits or imitations of money.
Use the following forms if you have old money that is no longer ‘legal tender’. You will need to print them out to complete.
Commemorative coins marking particular events or occasions are sold by New Zealand Post, the official issuer of the New Zealand commemorative coins programme.
Understand today’s economy. Explore its history.
Website: www.rbnzmuseum.govt.nz
Location: 2 The Terrace, Wellington
Opening hours: 9:30am–4:00pm Mon to Fri
Closed weekends & public holidays
Summer hours (January and February 2014): 9:30am–4:00pm Mon to Sat