The New Zealand dollar has risen to almost 69 cents against the US currency following comments from the head of the US Federal Reserve on prospects for a return to global growth.
At 12.30pm on Monday the kiwi stood at 68.52 US cents.
The currency hit 68.9 US cents two weeks ago, which was an 11-month high.
On Friday, Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke said economic activity appeared to be levelling out, both in the United States and abroad, and the prospects for a return to growth in the near term appear good.
He warned the road to recovery would be a long one, however, and that US unemployment would fall only gradually.
Bank of New Zealand currency strategist Danica Hampton says Mr Bernanke's comments have improved global sentiment and as a result, growth sensitive currencies have pushed a little higher.