Headline inflation has risen for the third straight quarter in New Zealand, underlining the challenge for central bankers dealing with a "bogged down" economy.

Stats NZ confirmed on Monday the consumers price index (CPI) inflation rate lifted from 2.7 per cent to three per cent in the year to September 2025.

Quarterly CPI was measured at one per cent, the biggest three-month jump in two years.

At three per cent, Kiwi CPI matches Australia's headline inflation.

Deepening the cost-of-living woes facing Kiwis, the biggest contributors to the jump were unavoidable facts of life: power, rent, and rates.

Stats NZ spokeswoman Nicola Growden said at 11.3 per cent, annual electricity increases are "at their highest since the late 1980s".

The leap in rates - up 8.8 per cent - is due to Stats N

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