Lack of 1 and 2 cent coins
Prior to 30 April 1990, one and two cent coins were also legal tender, but were withdrawn amid some controversy. However, modern non-cash transactions (such as electronic transactions and cheque s) need not be multiples of five cents, and New Zealanders rapidly adapted to the change. The lack of one and two cent coins means that cash transactions are rounded to the (normally) nearest five cents. Some larger retailers (notably, one supermarket chain), in the interests of public relations, elected to always round down (so that $4.99 becomes $4.95 instead of $5.00). Alternatively many retailers rounded their prices to five cents to avoid the issue entirely - so a New Zealand shopper often encounters products for sale at prices like $4.95; and virtually all retailers accept electronic transactions though the EFTPOS EFTPOS (Electronic Funds Transfer Point of Sale) is a system by which sales transactions can be directly debited to the customer's bank account at the point of sale, through the use of a debit card (generally the same card used with ATMs). Merchants using EFTPOS can also offer cashout facilities to customers, where a customer can withdraw cash along with their purchase.

Plastic banknotes
New Zealand notes, since 1999, have been printed on a plastic polymer instead of conventional paper. There was a slight controversy, but this move was mostly met with curiosity by the public. Such polymer notes have many advantages, notably a photocopy can effortlessly be distinguished from the real thing by touch, and many Kiwis have been thankful they go though a washing machine with no ill effects. (Note that the picture below is out of date, and is of the previous paper issue.)

Value
The value of the New Zealand dollar has been floating, i.e., determined by the financial markets, since March 4, 1985. Since then its value has been in the range of about 0.40 - 0.72 United States dollars, with a particularly low valuation during 2001. From July 9, 1973 until the float its value had been determined from a trade-weighted basket of currencies. Between December 23, 1971 and July 9, 1973 its value was linked to the United States dollar. Before December 23, 1971 it was linked to British sterling.