Latest from Cost of Living

Mary Holm: We came to NZ with nothing and managed to buy a house
OPINION: But it's not so easy for those with physical or mental health issues.

Matthew Hooton: Labour’s Te Pāti Māori problem
OPINION: Fear of the alternative is Christopher Luxon’s easiest path to a second term.

Shane Te Pou: This Govt seems intent on giving the boot to people
Jobseeker numbers have risen by 29,000, reaching 211,000 recently.

Editorial: Nicola Willis' choice of Budget day attire is a sideshow to policy debate
OPINION: The Finance Minister's dress has become a distraction from her policies.

'It is a cash grab, plain and simple': 77% port fee hike sparks industry outrage
The change may add $25m annually to costs during a cost-of-living crisis.

Cut-off for Govt KiwiSaver contribution nears – why funds could last 30% longer
The Retirement Commission says 80% of KiwiSaver members should see increased funds.

Editorial: Council rates are the tax we love to hate
OPINION: The only certainties in life are death and taxes – and both are expensive.

Shane Te Pou: This was the 'buy your ticket to Australia' Budget
OPINION: Growth is expected to slow in 2026, as unemployment stays high.

Rising costs, shifting habits: Why is going to the movies so expensive?
'You need to give people a reason to get off their couch.'

Marama Davidson: Budget needs to fund communities, not corporate greed
OPINION: The Green Budget proposes making healthcare and early education free.

Napier councillor Richard McGrath running for mayor, says city is prioritising 'nice-to-haves'
'We do need balance, but I don’t think we have that right now.'

'Lower prices': Govt's next steps on supermarket shake-up
The Government has met with major and smaller supermarket operators.

'Worst it's been': How cafes are adjusting to soaring butter prices
'Butter-wise, we haven't passed the buck on to the consumer yet.'

Steven Joyce: Why it's time to scrutinise Fonterra's role in rising food prices
OPINION: Dairy prices are rising; butter now costs $3 more than last year.

Editorial: All Blacks tests at risk of being an event for the well-heeled
Opinion: The Boks at Eden Park is one of those games you want to take your children to.

Editorial: Political noise drowns out economic reality
OPINION: Butter is expensive and Kiwis are leaving this country.

Butter prices soar 65%, driving food cost higher, new data shows
Stats NZ's selected prices index includes power, rent, food and travel.

Gregor Paul: How corporate greed could price fans out of rugby's biggest match
OPINION: Live entertainment seems to have lost the plot.

Resene workers on less than living wage gather to share struggle to survive
Employees say they work 'extremely hard' but still earn less than living wage.

Could you make $20 last a week?
Marama T-Pole bought gumboots, breaking her $20 budget at an op shop.

Sticker shock: Which grocery products rose most in price over the past year?
And what's driving supply costs to these products?