
Poll: Have you noticed these increased grocery prices?
Stats NZ said food prices have been rising at their fastest rate in more than a year.
Drinking chocolate is now 27% more expensive, coffee is up 17% and 1kg of mince was $2 more expensive this March than it was the same time last year.
Dairy products have also increased astronomically in price. Milk prices are up by 15.1% in the last year, cheese by 24% and butter has risen up by a shocking 63.6%.
Are you feeling the pinch lately? Share what you've noticed in the comments below and whether it makes you change your shopping habits.

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98% Yes, my bank balance has noticed
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1.7% No, I haven't noticed
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0.3% Other - I'll share below

Poll: Have you felt the impact of electricity price increases?
Last year, the Commerce Commission announced it had agreed to increase revenue limits to facilitate the maintenance and improvement of the electricity network.
Consumer NZ have revealed their latest annual energy survey, and found that 11% of consumers have had to cut back on their heating, and 20% of people have been struggling to pay their power bill in the past year.
How does your region compare? You can view and compare how the average monthly household use, charges, and bills vary regionally here.
We want to know: Is your household paying more for electricity this year?
Do you have any advice for your community on what changes you have found most effective in keeping costs down in your home or office? Share below!

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80.4% Yes! The increase has hit hard
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15.2% I am managing - we have found some solutions
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4.4% No - have not noticed much change
Dog biscuits & treats
After a year off from making dog biscuits, we have now revised the recipe with no preservatives , especially for dogs with allergies and dogs without. We haven't met a dog that doesn't like them. They will keep fresh for over a month in a closed container, or in the freezer. Mixed or what ever is your choice. 150g & 200g pks.
enquire for prices

Update on increased dog registration fees.
We have heard back from the Ombudsman who advises that because every single council member voted for the increase in dog registration fees, they cannot do anything. If it had been a split vote then they could have. Just shows how much the people we voted in care about the people of Tauranga!. The Ombudsman recommended we have a meeting with the Mayor to discuss this which I have done this morning and now wait and see if this eventuates. Geoff Latter presented a petition and had many meetings last year with various people in Council to no avail so will see if the Mayor will meet with us. It is also unacceptable that the deputy mayor has stated in the media when asked about the salaries council members now receive that "she did not believe it would cause a concern with the public" . This is unacceptable and will be addressed also. Will keep you posted and we have a comprehensive document which we will discuss with the Mayor, given we get an appointment.