The Reserve Bank chief economist Yuong Ha is to leave the central bank next year after 25 years' service.
Yuong Ha. Photo: RNZ / Dom Thomas
Ha, who is also a member of the Monetary Policy Committee, will depart after next February's monetary policy statement.
"It has been a privilege working at the Reserve Bank, Te Pūtea Matua, and to serve on the Monetary Policy Committee."
"I'm confident in the future direction of the Reserve Bank- it remains in good hands," Ha said.
He is one of four RBNZ officials on the interest rate setting monetary policy committee, and was prominent before the pandemic in explaining the broad range of monetary policy options that later came to be used, such as the bond-buying programme.
Ha offered no other reasons for leaving or hint of future work.
Governor Adrian Orr said Ha had been committed and dedicated in work for the RBNZ.
"Yuong is a very capable leader, and has contributed a huge amount to the RBNZ's monetary policy efforts."
Ha is the second top RBNZ official to announce they are leaving in the past two months.
Deputy governor and general manager of financial stability Geoff Bascand said in September he would be leaving in January.
He is being replaced by the current assistant governor, Christian Hawkesby.
Ha's position would be filled in accordance with the requirements in the RBNZ Act, with the RBNZ board and minister responsible for appointing a suitable candidate from within the RBNZ.