wellington new zealandnew zealands central bank said it will remove dividend payment restrictions on banks that were imposed early in the pandemic as underlying strength remains in the economy despite headwinds the restrictions will come to a complete end on july 1 the reserve bank of new zealand said thursday removal of the restrictions was subject to no significant worsening in economic conditions banks were initially prevented from making any dividend payments which was reduced to a 50 restriction in march last year underlying strength remains in the economy supported by a strong labor market sound household balance sheets continued fiscal support and strong terms of trade deputy gov christian hawkesby said in a statement however the economy is still facing headwinds including heightened global economic uncertainty cost pressures and low consumer confidence