Adds RBNZ rate decision, updates moves throughout

Oct 9 (Reuters) -New Zealand shares rose further on Wednesday after the central bank delivered a bumper rate cut as expected and left its door open for more easing, while heavyweight banks led gains in Australian stocks.

New Zealand's benchmark S&P/NZX 50 index .NZ50 rose 1.6% to 12,755.75 by 0126 GMT, reaching its highest level since mid-September.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand slashed the cash rate by 50 basis points to 4.75% and said it assesses that annual consumer price inflation is within its 1% to 3% inflation target range.

The decision was in line with market pricing and most economists' expectations. Seventeen economists out of 28 in a Reuters poll had predicted that the central bank would cut the benchmark rate by half a percentage point.

In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 index .AXJO rose 0.5% to 8,217.3. The rate-sensitive banking sub-index .AXFJ climbed for a third straight session and was last up 0.9%. The "Big Four" banks rose between 0.5% and 0.8%.

Minutes from the Reserve Bank of Australia's latest meeting, released on Tuesday, outlined conditions for a future rate cut, as well as for a hike.

Technology stocks .AXIJ tracked their U.S. peers higher and were last up 1.3%. WiseTech Global WTC.AX and NEXTDC NXT.AX rose 1.5% and 1.1%, respectively. .N

Mining stocks .AXMM fell 0.8% in what could be their second straight session of losses, weighed down by declining aluminium and iron ore prices. MET/L IRONORE/

Energy stocks .AXEJ fell for a second session and were last down 1.3%, after oil prices slumped overnight on news of a possible ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. O/R

Reporting by Roshan Thomas in Bengaluru; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu

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