Editorial: People are hurting

When the bills come, I shut my eyes and hand them to my other half. I'm sure I'm not alone in noticing the expenses of essential living such as power and groceries creeping up.

Genevieve Helliwell and James Fuller report today that increases in these basics of life are really biting New Zealanders, given our incomes are not increasing in line.

My family's weekly bill has risen relentlessly despite cutting out luxuries, buying in season and specials.

James' price survey shows it pays to shop around. Pak 'n Save is not the most glamorous shop in the world, but certainly delivers value.

The figure that made me gasp the most in James' report is from Bay budget adviser Lyn Webster who reckons it's possible to limit a weekly grocery bill for two people to just $35, including cleaning and hygiene products.

I would like to know what Lyn eats and hope it doesn't include garden creatures.

There is something seriously wrong with our economy when a working family has to wash in baking soda to survive, that's if they can afford the power to use the shower.

To live on $17 each a week I would wager is near impossible. Even if you could manage it, I would imagine it to be a miserable, miserly experience.