Pensioners struggle as prices keep rising

An elderly woman who hit the headlines five years ago for having to choose between "heating or eating" says times are tougher than ever.
Tauranga widow Yvonne Williams told the Bay of Plenty Times in 2006 that she had been forced to choose between buying food or running a heater.
The story struck a chord with the community, and Age Concern said it was indicative of a growing number of Bay elderly juggling limited finances and priorities in this way.
But rather than getting easier, things are worse than ever, the 82-year-old told the Bay of Plenty Times Weekend.
"Finding it tough is an understatement, with the cost of electricity and the way it's gone up, and the telephone bill - the costs are exorbitant," she said.
"There's been the extra 2.5 per cent GST, there's been the recession, and the cost of meat and vegetables is humongous, it really is."
Her superannuation went up just over $12 per fortnight - nowhere near enough to counter the rising costs, she said.
"Butter, cheese, milk and bread are the basic things, and really I can't afford them.
"Butter is nearly $5. I don't buy cheese, I don't buy milk. I do indulge myself in my bread."
Five years ago, she said she couldn't remember the last time she ate a green vegetable or fruit other than a banana.
Now, she is given fruit - apples and oranges - by friends with an orchard, whom she met through the article.
And she buys bananas "to eat with my toast" when they are under $2/kg.
She rarely eats meat and supplements her meals with potatoes, although she said those were expensive, too.
And things are set to worsen as winter approaches.
"That's what I'm dreading," Mrs Williams said.
As was the case when we spoke to her five years ago, last winter Mrs Williams went to bed at 7pm, staying in bed until 9am, to keep warm and save on heating.
She doesn't expect this winter to be any different, although she has recently acquired a cat, who helps keep her warm.
When it's very cold, she turns on her heat pump, although a lack of insulation means she is still cold.
Mrs Williams called for the government to remove GST from dairy products and seasonal fruit and vegetables.
"We are a country that has so many cows and sheep. I have a daughter in the States who bought a leg of lamb for $9. Here it's almost $30. It's disgusting."