New Zealand
How political parties plan to take on New Zealand’s supermarket giants
Parties disagree on how to boost competition and cut grocery prices.
Latest from Cost of Living
Stories and analysis from The Northern Express Herald.
'We can't change providers': Home owner questions rates bill rises amid cost squeeze
Kaikohe resident Justin Harnish says rising rates are unsustainable.
Solo parent trap: Minister sought advice on controversial policy but no plans for change
Officials provided alternatives to the system in 2024 but these were ultimately dismissed.
'Can’t believe that happened': Grieving widow's question for Seymour at campaign event
David Seymour said Act had spent a lot of time trying to change sentencing laws.
Greens promise to nationalise 120 supermarkets, costing $2.8 billion
The party says it'll buy 120 Woolworths, Pak'nSave, New World and Four Square stores.
The Reserve Bank should ponder how an OCR hike might actually increase prices
OPINION: As a former RBNZ adviser, there's hints interest rate rises aren't fully working.
Breaking up the electricity generator-retailers won't make power cheaper
New Zealand needs long-term energy policy, not reactive political reform.
'We're living in a very bad time': Pensioners struggling with basic expenses
Grey Power says older people need better support as living costs rise.
Editorial: Rates-capping, or kneecapping our councils?
OPINION: Local councils aren't in a strong position to control major drivers of costs.
National retreats to its happy place – and Labour follows
OPINION: Panicked, the National Party has retreated to the tried and true: tax attacks.
People cutting back on luxuries to cover higher pet costs
A new study shows vet care costs alone have risen 40.3% in five years.
Rates cap: Are 'nice‑to‑haves' the problem, or decades of underinvestment?
LGNZ warns a rates cap could hurt infrastructure and council services.
TPM promises five new taxes, income rate shake-up – National warns of 'frightening' stamp duty
The Te Pāti Māori plan contains no costs or details on what revenue will be generated.
Home insurance premiums fall as quote gap hits $1401
Insurance prices are still about a third higher than five years ago.
US-Iran war wounds NZ consumer spending
Retail sales volumes fell 0.5% in the June quarter as fuel purchases slumped.
Which foods have become less affordable for New Zealanders?
Food prices are still rising, with economists warning essentials may cost more.
Health Ministry wanted higher mileage rate increase than Govt, carer says it would've made 'huge difference'
The Government provided a 30% mileage rate boost in April to tackle rising fuel prices.
Past the peak: Have we dodged the inflation bullet?
ANALYSIS: Liam Dann takes a deeper dive into the week's economic news.
The NZ city where rent is now less affordable than Auckland
'It is a shock to the system for some people, and hard for people to adjust.'
‘Fish and chips is not cheap’: Takeaway boss defends industry over $33 wedges
Queensland operator says rising food, wage, rent and insurance costs are hurting margins.
Can New Zealand stop supermarkets charging ‘excessive’ prices?
Chloe Swarbrick says new rules would give the Commerce Commission more power.
Can New Zealand stop supermarkets charging ‘excessive’ prices?
Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick joins The Front Page to break down the Green Party's new plan to combat supermarket price gouging.
The sneaky debt that can lead to a spiral
Financial mentors are seeing an increase in debt that borrowers don't recognise as debt.
Opinion: Cost of living crisis or the new normal?
High prices are here to stay, but reframing them may help us adapt, says Diana Clement.
Dairy farmer launches app to help shoppers find cheaper groceries
Dairy farmer Will Duff's app compares supermarket prices to help shoppers save.
When food becomes too expensive to produce
OPINION: If food production becomes uneconomic, everyone pays the price.
How AI is hijacking the soundtrack to our lives, starting with your local cafe
'Original music speaks to culture and identity in a way that AI just can’t deliver.'
A viral $34 burrito is dividing American conservatives online
The Trump administration is facing a public increasingly unhappy with the economy.
Homeless adults and children at risk of hypothermia in freezing conditions
Rotorua's coldest temperature on record has social agencies worried for vulnerable people.
'Run out of options': Three Rotorua hospitality businesses close within a week
Owners cited rising costs and reduced spending by customers.