NZD/USD is often watched alongside AUD/USD as a pair of China-sensitive, commodity-linked currencies, though dairy-specific demand can pull the Kiwi in its own direction.
NZD/USD, nicknamed the "Kiwi," expresses how many US dollars one New Zealand dollar buys. New Zealand's economy leans heavily on agricultural exports, with dairy products among its largest, so the pair is sensitive to shifts in global commodity and agricultural demand.
Like the Australian dollar, the Kiwi is highly sensitive to Chinese growth, since China is a major destination for New Zealand's agricultural exports. NZD/USD often trades in tandem with AUD/USD given the two economies' similar commodity- and China-linked export profiles, though the correlation is not perfect and can diverge on country-specific news.
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand sets domestic monetary policy, and its decisions relative to the US Federal Reserve are a core driver of the pair. As a smaller, more thinly traded currency than the US dollar or euro, the Kiwi can also see outsized moves relative to its economic size during periods of global risk-off sentiment.
This page shows an indicative mid-market rate sourced from aggregated market data and public reference rates (ECB/FRED). It can update intraday through the trading week; every response carries source and market_session so you know whether a given quote was live or a daily fix. Rates are indicative, not for settlement or regulated trading.
Frequently asked questions
What does NZD/USD measure?
NZD/USD states how many US dollars you receive for one New Zealand dollar. A rate of 0.6100 means one New Zealand dollar buys 0.61 US dollars.
Why is the New Zealand dollar called the "Kiwi"?
The nickname references the kiwi bird, a national symbol of New Zealand featured on some of its currency.
Why does NZD/USD move with agricultural markets?
New Zealand's economy is heavily weighted toward agricultural exports, particularly dairy, so shifts in global demand and prices for those goods feed directly into the currency's value.
Does NZD/USD trade similarly to AUD/USD?
The two often move in tandem because both economies are commodity-exporting and China-demand sensitive, but they are not identical — country-specific data and policy decisions can cause the pairs to diverge.
Who sets New Zealand monetary policy?
The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) sets the official cash rate. Its policy relative to the US Federal Reserve is a key driver of NZD/USD.
How do I get NZD/USD via the API?
GET /v1/latest/NZD?symbols=USD returns the indicative rate, source, market_session, and timestamp. The free tier covers it, no credit card required. All rates are indicative, not for settlement.
Is this rate suitable for settlement?
No. It is an indicative mid-market reference rate for informational use, not for settlement, invoicing, or regulated trading.