125 days ago

Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Butter, power bills, and those sneaky surcharges on your card ... it feels like everything’s creeping up in price lately. We’ve seen the headlines, but we want to hear it from you.

Overall, Most Kiwis say they’re ‘not prospering’. But, according to Retirement Commission data, some members of our community (women, Māori, and Pacific people) are experiencing worsening financial positions at elevated rates.

Stats NZ tells us that food prices have jumped 4.6% since this time last year, with meat and dairy doing most of the damage. This jump is hitting us all, but groceries are just one part of the picture.

When basic costs keep climbing, the old cost-saving tricks — like bulk-buying or stockpiling on sale — don’t always work. Who can afford to spend more upfront when every dollar already has a job?

We want to know: What costs have caught you off guard the most? What are the expenses that feel impossible to juggle right now?
Share your thoughts below!

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What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
  • 43.5% Grocery bills
    43.5% Complete
  • 33% Utilities
    33% Complete
  • 1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
    1% Complete
  • 0.1% Education
    0.1% Complete
  • 7.6% Healthcare
    7.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
    1.3% Complete
  • 7.9% Rent or mortgage
    7.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
    1.5% Complete
  • 4.1% Other - share below!
    4.1% Complete
2582 votes
More messages from your neighbours
6 days ago

Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.

We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?

Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.

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Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
  • 53.2% Yes
    53.2% Complete
  • 46.8% No
    46.8% Complete
1868 votes
2 days ago

Auckland, why are we so excited about a new store? 🚗🛒

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

I think we’ve all seen the traffic notices and headlines about the new IKEA by now!

So here’s the question: why do we get so excited when a new store opens? Convenience? Curiosity? A reason for a weekend outing? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Keen for an update? The Post has you covered

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M
7 hours ago

Keep the kids reading with fun this summer

Michelle from Highland Park

Highland Park Library is ready to give away prizes...
Raumati Reads is a free, fun summer reading challenge for primary school aged children that will help them maintain their reading levels over the summer break. It’s a must-do for the school holidays offering free events and activities at local libraries across Tāmaki Makaurau, with great prizes to be won from Auckland Live, Auckland Zoo, Auckland Pools and Leisure, Auckland FC and the Maritime Museum.

Tamariki and their whānau can register from Saturday 6 December at their local Auckland Libraries branch to begin the challenge, which runs until Sunday 1 February.

Visit the Raumati Reads school holidays page for all you need to know: new.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz...

Raumati_Reads_A3_Prize_Poster 25-26.pdf Download View