Latest from Cost of Living

New York creatives squeezed out by high cost of living

Since 2019, the number of New Yorkers working in creative fields has fallen by 6.1%.

Trump claims victory on affordability as US public anxieties persist

As some economic bright spots emerge, the US President's messaging has shifted.

Are the Epstein files making Trump more unpopular than ever?

US President struggles to maintain favourability on core policies.

'You can't do everything': Nearly half of small business owners consider giving up amid rising stress

Xero report finds owners lose about five working hours a week to stress and tax worries.

How to stop rising power prices hitting your wallet this year

Line charges alone are forecast to rise by about $5 a month through to 2029.

'National can get home with Luxon': Sir John Key shares blueprint for PM to win tight election

The former PM urges National MPs to stick with Luxon and avoid a late leadership swap.

Billion-dollar plan to import gas: Worthy insurance policy or costly last resort?

Industry is supportive, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment is sceptical.

'Everyday living is just so hard': Families going into debt to pay for school uniforms

Charity Variety has seen a 16% jump in calls for uniform and fees support.

Trump’s 2026 affordability message competes with foreign policy push

US President has been clear he won't back down from list of foreign entanglements.

Foodstuffs North Island boss Chris Quin on 2026's biggest challenges

'A stronger economy unlocks the health and education system we all want.'

Liam Dann: Supermarket prices aren’t too high, wages are too low

OPINION: The obsession with supermarket prices distracts from NZ’s productivity problem.

Where to save and where to spend on supermarket staples, according to food experts

Own-brand butter, sugar, flour and milk often match pricier labels in baking.

Letters: Who holds Trump accountable?

OPINION: Letter writers link Trump’s latest moves to oil, allies and global flashpoints.

Watch: Video of protester defying police in Iran goes viral

Tehran demonstrator filmed sitting in the street and facing down police on motorbikes.

Meat-loving Argentines shun beef as inflation bites

They eat more beef than people in Europe and Asia but social issues are having an impact.

More SMEs back themselves for 2026 despite cost and inflation worries

Nearly two-thirds of SME owners say they feel positive about 2026.