Putting It Back On The Consumer
It felt like a cruel joke, when the brown paper bag from the supermarket arrived in my mailbox last week. I stared at it in disbelief as I read the instructions to fill the bag with groceries to help a family in need.
"I cant believe they did that" I muttered and threw the bag in the recycle bin.
The supermarkets have made millions in profits over the past two years while the rest of us mere mortals struggled to make ends meet. The first thing they did when the pandemic began was to remove all specials from the shelves. My shop went up by around $50 per week and its kept going from there. Some people report that their former $150 shop now costs $300 or more. Food costs only make up approx 18% of the CPI, so the real cost of food increases is somewhat hidden.
Demand for food parcels has risen exponentially and many working families are now queuing at the food banks as people struggle with these rising costs. So now that the supermarkets are raking it in, they have decided to put it back on the consumer and ask them to foot the bill. Not only are we paying round 50% more for our food, but we are supposed to dig deep and support the people the supermarkets have priced out of the market. All the while making the supermarket look like the good guys. The arrogance is gob smacking.
If I was a food bank manager right now I'd probably feel I had to bite my tongue and accept the goods, but it would feel like the Tobacco Industry funding cancer research. I refuse to support this disingenuous piece of marketing. What do others think?
Scam Alert: Bank cold calls
ASB is warning customers about reports of cold calls from scammers claiming to be from ASB. These scammers are trying to obtain personal information, including usernames, dates of birth, and verification codes sent to your mobile phone.
🛡️ The "Caller Check" Test
If you get a call from someone claiming to be from ASB and you’re unsure, just ask them for a Caller Check. You will then be able to verify the call through the app.
Remember, banks will:
❌ Never ask for your banking passwords, PINs, or verification codes
❌ Never need to know your full credit card number – especially the CVC
❌ Never ask you to download software or remotely access your device
❌ Never ask you to purchase gift cards or transfer funds.
If you have received a phone call and think your account has been compromised, call ASB on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or visit your local branch.
🧩😏 Riddle me this, Neighbours…
I am an odd number. Take away a letter and I become even. What number am I?
Do you think you know the answer?
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Poll: Are you still heading to your local for your caffeine fix, or has the $$ changed your habits? ☕
Wellington’s identity is built on its cafe culture, but with costs climbing, that culture is under pressure. We’ve seen the headlines about recent closures, and it’s a tough pill to swallow along with a $6+ coffee.
We all want our favourite spots to stay open, but we also have to balance our own budgets ⚖️
We want to know: How are you handling the "coffee math" in 2026? Are you still heading to your local for a chat and a caffeine fix, or has the cost of living changed your habits?
Keen to read more about "coffee math"? The Post has you covered.
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42.5% I avoid spending money on coffee
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48% I still indulge at my local cafe
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9.5% Irrelevant - coffee is not for me
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