188 days ago

Poll: What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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!

Image
What are the living costs that are having the biggest (and perhaps surprising) impact on your wallet?
  • 43.5% Grocery bills
    43.5% Complete
  • 33% Utilities
    33% Complete
  • 1% Your treats (the ones that keep you human day to day, and are ESSENTIAL!)
    1% Complete
  • 0.1% Education
    0.1% Complete
  • 7.6% Healthcare
    7.6% Complete
  • 1.3% Travel (public transport/petrol)
    1.3% Complete
  • 7.9% Rent or mortgage
    7.9% Complete
  • 1.5% Social costs: birthday gifts and occasions
    1.5% Complete
  • 4.1% Other - share below!
    4.1% Complete
2582 votes
More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

John Terris former Mayor HCC died 2 Feb 2026 Hutt

Sandra from Normandale

NOW THAT WE HAVE NO LOCAL newspapers.
Message just forwarded - the former Mayor of Lower Hutt John Terris died on Monday 2/2/26.
John was Mayor, MP and councillor [city and regional] over the years giving his all to Lower Hutt and beyond.
RIP John.

23 days ago

Poll: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Wellington’s Te Awe Library on Brandon St will be closing its doors for good at 5 pm on March 1. It’s been the city’s largest temporary library, and now it’s making way for the exciting return of Te Matapihi Central Library!

We want to know: Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?

Want all the details? The Post has everything you need to know.

Image
Are you as excited as we are for Te Matapihi’s grand reopening?
  • 46.6% Yes
    46.6% Complete
  • 53.4% No
    53.4% Complete
281 votes
K
8 days ago

traffic chaos

Karl from Alicetown

I note no comments about utter traffic chaos alicetown melling area due to not being able to turn from victoria st on to ewan bridge. You would think council would require 24 by 7 work on such a vital road into lower hutt. what about all the extra pollution due to cars crawling along at 10kmph. I guess council doesnt believe in climate change