Latest from Cost of Living

Belle of the ball: Shop owner gives away formal dresses and suits to high schoolers

Belle Ward didn't go to her school ball because she couldn't afford it.

National loses Kiwis’ confidence handling inflation to Labour - survey

Inflation is the top issue for Kiwis and they think Labour is best to keep prices down.

Back-pocket boost: Households could receive hundreds of dollars in extra disposable income

Consumer confidence continues to tread water – but it's not all bad news for households.

'My heart goes out': Cafe feeds homeless with pay it forward meals

Each week on Koha Monday the cafe offers free meals, funded by a 'pay it forward' system.

Power bill increase in Tairāwhiti, but better infrastructure promised

FirstLight Network has increased resilience work as power bills rise in Tairāwhiti.

Editorial: Should consumer watchdogs act on shrinkflation?

OPINION: Downsizing by stealth is legal but should it be?

'Not fit for a dog': Gisborne tenant reveals harsh realities of rental hunt

Gisborne's median rent on Trade Me in April was $680, the highest in New Zealand.

Thinking of retiring? Nearly one in two Kiwis still working when they turn 65

Data shows we're joining the workforce earlier and continuing to work later in life.

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.'

How one man's passion for tradition and giant kūmara is empowering Northland youth

Malcolm Wano and Kiahara Takareki Trust in Moerewa want to inspire young people.

Benno Blaschke: Breaking up supermarkets won't solve competition issues

OPINION: Regulatory barriers to entry should be considered as an alternative.

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.'