Auckland house prices hit an all-time high, Barfoot & Thompson data just out showed, despite Reserve Bank lending restrictions.

Westpac chief executive Peter Clare says the bank's rivals have been left with a "hangover" after pushing forward with mortgage pre-approvals.

The Reserve Bank's restrictions on low-deposit mortgage lending have yet to dent expectations that house prices will rise.

Graeme Wheeler has signalled he may delay the start of rises in the official cash rate if the Kiwi dollar stays high.

One of NZ's largest home builders says new loan restrictions have cost it 24 new-home builds in the first month alone - and it expects more as the policy bites.

The Reserve Bank yesterday confirmed it has agreed to re-examine its new mortgage lending restrictions if data shows they are crimping the supply of new homes.

Treasury suggested introducing a capital gains tax and restrictions on foreign buyers as part of a long term prescription to curb house price increases, documents released today show.

The New Zealand dollar was the worst performing currency overnight, as investors switched to so-called 'safe haven' assets.

The New Zealand dollar has jumped to its highest in more than five months.