New Zealand faces rising costs for food, energy, and fuel

New Zealand is facing significant cost-of-living pressures as the prices of essential goods and services continue to rise. According to StatsNZ figures for September 2026, food prices increased by 2.4 percent compared to the previous year. Specific staples saw sharper rises, including milk at 6.8 percent, bread at 6.3 percent, and mutton, lamb, and hogget at 10.7 percent. Since the current government took office in November 2023, the cumulative increases for these items have been substantial, with milk rising 28.9 percent and mutton, lamb, and hogget increasing by 40.7 percent.

Energy and transport costs are also climbing. Electricity prices rose 9.5 percent and gas increased by 11.4 percent compared to September 2025. Fuel costs have seen significant spikes, with petrol up 24.3 percent and diesel up 55.8 percent.

A survey conducted by Talbot Mills Research for the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) highlights widespread public dissatisfaction. The research found that 70 percent of respondents believe the Coalition Government is not doing enough to assist families with rising expenses. Additionally, 43 percent of those surveyed reported that their household finances have deteriorated since the 2023 general election. Dissatisfaction was notably higher among women and those with mortgages or renting compared to outright homeowners.