Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
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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43.5% Grocery bills
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33% Utilities
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1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
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0.1% Education
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7.6% Healthcare
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1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
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7.9% Rent or mortgage
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1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
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4.1% Other - share below!
Can anyone please help with transporting supplies to the Tokoroa dog shelter?
Hello Neighbours
I’ve collating donations for the SWDC dog shelter (near-expiry food; towels, blankets, plastic beds, toys, etc). There’s enough already to fill a 4-wheel drive or big ute but, at least, a BIG boot full. It would be great to get this to the shelter (esp. the short-dated food) ASAP
If you have spare / unused stretcher beds, plastic dog baskets, bedding, food, metal food bowls, leads, collars, toys, etc which you'd like to donate, please contact me, many thanks
Anne 0274 575 111
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
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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53.2% Yes
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46.8% No
Benefits of a holistic massage
A few benefits of a holistic massage that you might not be aware of :
Activates deep relaxation
Calms the nervous system
Eases physical tension
Balances the immune system
Boosts overall well being
Improves sleep quality
Supports emotional balance
Enhances circulation flow
Helps the body to detox
Promotes body mind connection
Encourages hormonal harmony
Book your 90 min holistic massage now or gift it to someone you love and care for. 🧡
PM me to get in touch .
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