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!
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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Poll: Is it ok to regift something that you have been given?
🎁 Holiday Gift Chat!
Do you ever regift?
What’s your take on asking for a receipt if a gift doesn’t fit?
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78% Yes! It's better to regift what I don't need
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22% No. It's the thought and effort that matters
🌱✨ Now Enrolling for 2026 — Spaces Filling Fast!✨ 🌱
Looking for a nurturing, community-focused preschool where your child can grow, explore, and shine?
At Cotswold Preschool & Nursery, every child is embraced as a valued part of our Whānau. Our caring, experienced Kaiako create a supportive environment where Tamariki build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning through play.
💛 Small, welcoming group sizes for personalised care
💛 Rich play-based learning that inspires creativity and curiosity
💛 Strong Whānau partnerships and community connections
💛 Passionate, dedicated Kaiako who truly know and understand your child
📍 Proudly located in the heart of Bishopdale, offering a safe, inclusive, and loving space for all families.
37 Colesbury street - down the long driveway, just follow the river mural!
👉 Come visit us! Message us today office@cotswoldpreschool.co.nz or pop in anytime — we’d love to meet you, show you around, and chat about how we can support your child’s journey in 2026!
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