WELLINGTON, July 16 (Xinhua) -- The Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) has been soliciting public opinion of having an electronic version of cash in the country, issued by the Reserve Bank.
Digital cash provides people with an alternative, instant, safe, low-cost way of paying for everyday needs without a bank account, it said in a statement on Tuesday.
The Reserve Bank is planning for a future in New Zealand that has less cash, but not one that is cash-less, it said.
"We will keep cash (banknotes and coins) for as long as people want to use them to pay for everyday things," the statement said.
The RBNZ is currently in the second stage of a multi-year project to consider the use of digital cash after developing some principles and design options, it said, adding that New Zealanders are encouraged to share their views on them. ■
