Inflation was higher than it should be, even before factoring in the full impact of the war on Iran. 

Stats NZ data shows the inflation rate remained unchanged at 3.1% in the March quarter. 

Internationally driven tradeable inflation dipped to 2.5% and the domestically driven non-tradeable rate was unchanged at 3.5%. 

The Herald's Liam Dann told Kerre Woodham these figures come before fuel rises really kicked off. 

He says it's disappointing we aren't heading into that crisis in a better position. 

LISTEN ABOVE