Letters to the Editor
Letters: A bridge toll would hurt those who can't afford it the most
OPINION: Why a toll would be a bridge too far.
Latest from Cost of Living
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
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.
At world’s busiest port, China’s unbalanced economy comes into view
New York Times: Government data indicates that Ningbo’s troubles are worsening rapidly.
Darcy Ungaro: The risks and rewards of tapping your house for cash in retirement
OPINION: Should you unlock your home's value with a reverse mortgage?
Economic recovery looking unconvincing as it struggles to gain momentum
The economy has the ingredients for a recovery but momentum is fragile.
Liam Dann: Why the economic recovery might not be enough for National
OPINION: Elevated inflation is threatening to ruin the recovery party.
Banks tip earlier OCR rises after inflation tops RBNZ forecast
The Consumers Price Index shows rates and power drove inflation up in December quarter.
Stubborn inflation could see interest rates rise sooner than forecast
The inflation rate is expected to exceed Reserve Bank forecasts.
Letters: Protest against NZ's Sikh community is historically ignorant
OPINION: A reader questions Christopher Luxon saying the recovery had already arrived.
Back-to-school squeeze: From 'donations' to devices, parents count the cost
Back-to-school help is available for low-income families through Work and Income.
Food prices dip again but power and grocery bills keep climbing
Electricity prices have jumped 27% and gas 56% since December 2021.
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.
Summer Questions: Spark CEO Jolie Hodson on her biggest mistake
Plus: Her top read to get a handle on AI.
Tehran shopkeepers shut stores over economic conditions
Iran's currency has slumped to record low, pushing up food prices.
Heather du Plessis-Allan: The Tom Phillips injunction is pointless
OPINION: Five of the top columns of the year from Heather du Plessis-Allan.
The cost of giving: How Christmas expenses this year compare to last
Some produce will be a lot pricier, but some gifts could be quite a bit cheaper.