Podcasts about stats nz

During an interview with the ‘Morning Report', Prime Minister Christopher Luxon confirmed that orders for the homeless in Auckland's CBD to move on were “definitely a consideration”. He later stated, that “Aucklanders don't feel safe going into the central city”, and both Central government and Auckland Council are considering how they can move homeless people out of the CBD ahead of summer.  This follows previous reports that the Government was considering a rough sleeping ban for central Auckland. This news comes as Stats NZ released their annual unemployment figures this week. The results show that national unemployment has risen to a nine-year high at 5.3%, with the New Zealand youth taking most of the damage. For our weekly catchup with The Green Party, Wednesday Wire Max spoke to MP Ricardo Menendez March, to discuss the new unemployment figures released last week. They also spoke about the Government's new action plan to combat methamphetamine use. But first, they discussed what The Green Party thought about the Government's plan to decrease homelessness in the Auckland CBD

One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon. The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter. That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one. "Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One expert is warning the job market won't get easier any time soon. The latest Stats NZ data shows the unemployment rate has reached an almost nine-year high of 5.3 percent in the September quarter. That's 160,000 people looking for a job, and another 138,000 wanting more work. Infometrics principal economist Nick Brunsdon says we're on the cusp of a recovery - but not a quick one. "Our forecast is for it to hit 4.6 by the end of next year - and that's not a low unemployment rate by any means. It's still gonna be pretty uncomfortable." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment's set to edge higher despite signs of the job market improving. Stats NZ data, due out this morning, is expected to show the unemployment rate reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking the unemployment rate would be even higher if more young people were in the labour market. He says they've been first on the chopping block as the economy slowed, so many have gone back into school and aren't seeking work. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unemployment has hopefully almost reached its peak. Latest Stats NZ data is expected to show unemployment has reached 5.3% in the September quarter. That's up from 5.2% in the June quarter. BNZ Chief Economist Mike Jones told Andrew Dickens they expect another rise in the December quarter, before the job market starts to recover next year. He says there's still a bit of slog ahead of us, but there's encouraging signs, like job ads lifting and businesses wanting to increase employment. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ senior manager for prices and construction Nicola Growden talks with Kathryn about the cost of living, and how it is measured. 

A deep dive into the inflation figures after Stats NZ revealed yesterday it reached a 15-month high touching the 3 per cent. 

Inflation has crept up to 3% according to Stats NZ figures, the highest in over a year, and nudging the upper limit of the reserve banks target band. The rise from 2.7% is largely due to domestic prices creeping up, including food and energy. Infometrics Chief Executive and Principal Economist, Brad Olsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Recent data shows inflation reached three percent in the year to September, and it's prompted concerns about the economy. Stats NZ figures out today show the rate rose from 2.7 percent annually to June - hitting the top end of the Reserve Bank's target band. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this is higher than what the Government was hoping for, and it's unclear what this could mean for the Reserve Bank. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another spike in inflation won't stop the Reserve Bank from cutting the Official Cash Rate again next month. Stats NZ is providing its latest quarterly CPI update at 10.45. Most economists expect it to hit the Reserve Bank's upper limit of three-percent, and some think it will surpass that limit. But Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking the Reserve Bank still thinks the economy's weak enough to start pushing inflation down. He says even the Reserve Bank probably won't be too bothered, even if inflation surpasses the three-percent limit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Another spike in inflation won't stop the Reserve Bank from cutting the Official Cash Rate again next month. Stats NZ is providing its latest quarterly CPI update at 10.45. Most economists expect it to hit the Reserve Bank's upper limit of three-percent, and some think it will surpass that limit. But Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking the Reserve Bank still thinks the economy's weak enough to start pushing inflation down. He says even the Reserve Bank probably won't be too bothered, even if inflation surpasses the three-percent limit. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealanders are leaving the country in record numbers, the latest figures from Stats NZ show overall migrant arrivals dropped 16% to 138,600, while departures increased 13% to 127,900. Nearly 48 thousand kiwi citizens left this year. Continuing the trend that we've seen over the past two years - with large numbers of New Zealand citizens leaving and fewer migrants arriving. So is this the new normal or just a reflection of current tough times? Sociologist and emeritus professor at Massey University Paul Spoonley joins Jesse.

We talk a lot about how much you need in retirement. But here's the real question: what do retirees actually spend their money on once they stop working? In this episode, Ed and Andrew examine fresh Stats NZ data comparing the bottom 10% of over-65 spenders with the top 10%. The results are shocking.You'll learn:How some retirees survive on just $344 a week – and what that lifestyle really looks likeWhy the top 10% spend 6.7x more, splashing out on travel, recreation, and healthWhat happens in the “middle” – and how spending priorities shift as income changesThis episode reveals the hidden reality of retirement spending in NZ, from bare-bones survival to living it up with overseas holidays.Don't forget to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠create your free Opes+ account and Wealth Plan here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.For more from Opes Partners:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for the weekly Private Property newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

An expert believes there's still a number of Kiwis returning to New Zealand, despite a falling net migration rate. It's fallen to 10,600 for the year to August 2025. Overall, Stats NZ figures show migrant arrivals dropped 16% to more than 138 thousand, while departures increased 13% to just under 128 thousand. Massey University sociologist Paul Spoonley told Mike Hosking it's still a major net loss, but Kiwis are coming back, even from Australia. He says there's always been Kiwis leaving and returning on the traditional OE. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is World Homeless Day – where organisations around the globe shed light on the issue. Right now, more than 2% of New Zealanders are without a home. Stats NZ figures show more than 112,000 people are now severely housing deprived across New Zealand. In Auckland, there’s been a 53 per cent increase in rough sleeping since late last year. Manaaki Rangitahi aims to end youth homelessness in Aotearoa New Zealand. CEO Bianca Johanson is with us today on The Front Page, to discuss how – as a country – we can make this happen. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A major new report is warning that more than 1000 seaside homes could suffer significant damage from extreme weather by 2060. And hundreds of thousands of homes worth an estimated $180 billion are located in flood-prone areas, according to Our Marine Environment 2025 from the Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ. Alison Collins from the Ministry for the Environment says many of these homes are in low-lying coastal communities and on flood plains. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are huge inequities facing at least 183,000 New Zealanders, and nothing’s being done about it. New data from Blind Low Vision NZ reveals how blind, deafblind, and low vision New Zealanders face not only higher costs but also the emotional strain of barriers most Kiwis never encounter. Stats NZ figures show that 58% of disabled New Zealanders earn $30,000 or less a year, compared with 33% of non-disabled people. So, what does government need to do to make sure this community doesn’t keep falling through the cracks? Today on The Front Page, Blind Low Vision NZ community and inclusion GM Dan Shepherd is with us to speak about his own lived experience, and how we might be able to help. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Are you feeling wealthier? Stats NZ's latest data on household net worth shows that for many of us, the answer should be yes. But how can that be, and who's actually getting the benefit of the increases? Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Lisa Owen.

Many are predicting a fall in GDP for quarter two. Stats NZ will release the figures later this morning, just before 11am. The Reserve Bank expects a 0.3% drop while bank economists are more pessimistic. Westpac Senior Economist Michael Gordon told Mike Hosking there are worrying trends. He says the construction sector is still in a downturn, while manufacturing has seen a fall after a decent first quarter. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New data suggests New Zealand's economic turmoil is far from over. New economic data from Stats NZ prompted BNZ to increase its estimate of the size of the contraction in the economy in the three months to the end of June. Harbour Asset Management expert Shane Solly explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10,000 jobs have disappeared in just three months, according to Stats NZ. There are now 50,000 fewer jobs than in December 2023. Auckland lost nearly 5000 jobs, Wellington over 1300, Hawke's Bay over 800, and in Waikato close to 700. Provincial areas have also been hit despite the farming sector being a bright spot in the economy. Economist and Infometrics chief executive Brad Olsen spoke to Lisa Owen.

Stats NZ's business employment data for the June quarter, released on Tuesday shows a 10,000 fall in three months. Money correspondent Susan Edmunds spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Stats NZ came out with the latest trade data for New Zealand - and the results show good news for exporters. Exports were up 9.9 percent in the year to June and imports were up 3.2 percent. HSBC chief economist Paul Bloxham explained further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New figures from Stats NZ show the gender pay gap has dropped to 5.3 percent in the June Quarter 2025, its lowest level since 1998. Advocacy group Mind the Gap co-founder Dellwyn Stuart spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A build-up of industry income changes could have driven the pay gap between men and women to a historic low. The pay gap for the June quarter is sitting at 5.2 percent, down from the 8.2 percent seen a year ago. It's the smallest margin seen since Stats NZ began collecting the data in 1998. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says sectors like transport, IT and finance have been pushing through higher incomes for female workers. "We've also seen continued larger pay increases for a number of quite large female-dominated industries alike - of education and health." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The humble mince pie, might not be that humble anymore with the price of a key ingredient sky rocketing in the past 12 months. Beef mince has gone up more than 19% in a year, according to Stats NZ figures. Other potential pie ingredients have also jumped in price. On average a 500 gram block of butter has gone up more than 42%, while 1kg of cheese has gone up almost 30% in price. John Willams from Auckland's world famous Muzza's Pies says for now they are trying to make savings else where, and spoke to Lisa Owen.

In today's episode, the government's shaking up building consenting, with the goal of delivering cheaper and easier builds; Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine; Stats NZ says groceries, especially dairy and meat, drove a 5 percent annual increase, with mince up nearly 20 percent; Awards have been dished out to the country's top restaurants and chefs, at the Cuisine Food Awards. Samoan restaurant "Tala" in Parnell Auckland has achieved a three-hat rating.

Stats NZ says groceries, especially dairy and meat, drove a 5 percent annual increase, with mince up nearly 20 percent. Cibus Catering managing director Peter Kennet spoke to Corin Dann.

The price of food has increased five percent over the past 12 months, the latest figures released by Stats NZ show, leaving families struggling to put basics on the table. Westpac economist Satish Ranchhod spoke to Corin Dann.

In today's episode, there's been a chorus of voices calling for the government to take action to help pull Auckland out of its economic slump; New Zealand Police are facing stiff competition across the Tasman, with states there luring Kiwi cops with more money and housing allowances; Auckland emergency department nurses say this winter is the busiest they've seen; The price of food has increased five percent over the past 12 months, the latest figures released by Stats NZ show, leaving families struggling to put basics on the table; We cross the Tasman to get the latest from Kerry-Anne Walsh.

The latest Stats NZ figures says food prices in our 15 main cities have increased five-percent in the past year -- with grocery prices rising much faster than restaurant and takeaway prices. But Foodstuffs says prices in its stores have only increased 3.4 percent. Foodstuffs North Island Managing Director Chris Quin told Mike Hosking that much of that rise is being driven by beef, lamb and butter. Quinn says consumers can get good value with frozen chickens, leg roasts and many winter vegetables. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ says food inflation was back up five-percent for the year to July. The heftiest increases include butter rising 42-percent, cheese 29, and produce climbing more than seven. Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen says other essentials like milk, steak, and mince are also going up. Olsen says food price inflation probably won't impact next week's Reserve Bank announcement, but it is uncomfortable for households. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's growing calls among Auckland business leaders to get the city's economy going again. According to the latest Stats NZ data, Auckland's 6.1 percent unemployment rate for the June 2025 quarter was the highest of any region and above the national rate of 5.2 percent. Heart of the City chief executive Viv Beck says the Government needs to find a solution to get the city moving again. "We're talking to people on the street, businesses who have struggled through 10 years...they need people, they need customers, they need people here and events are a proven way of doing that." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last year's recession is still being felt in the job market. Stats NZ data —due out this morning— is expected to show unemployment reached a nine-year high of 5.3% in the June quarter. The economy's been back in growth since the latter part of last year. But ASB Senior Economist Mark Smith told Mike Hosking the economy has lost about 40,000 jobs since the late 2023 peak. More full-time roles have been lost than part time, he explained, and the labour market is getting that much weaker. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send Us A Message! Let us know what you think.Welcome to another bonus episode of the Property Apprentice Podcast, hosted by Debbie Roberts, financial adviser and co-founder of Property Apprentice. In this episode, Debbie unpacks how New Zealand's aging population is reshaping the future of property investment, interest rates, housing supply, and banking services. What happens to house prices as more Kiwis reach retirement age? Will there be an oversupply of large homes in aging regions? How could long-term interest rates shift due to demographic trends? What are the implications for retirement planning, reverse mortgages, and rental demand? We'll also dive into insights from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ), Stats NZ, and the New Zealand Treasury, highlighting potential risks and opportunities for investors—especially with the median age projected to rise to over 45 by 2050. Whether you're a property investor, a future retiree, or a Gen Z planning ahead, this episode offers crucial takeaways: Why smaller, single-level, low-maintenance homes are becoming more attractiveHow shrinking working-age populations affect NZ Superannuation sustainabilityWhat changes banks may make in response to higher deposits and fewer mortgagesTips for adapting your investment strategy in a changing economic environmentRegister for our FREE event: "How to Succeed With Property Investing"

Recent statistics on inflation published earlier this week showed that consumer prices had risen by 2.7% in the last 12 months to June. Stats NZ identified the main contributor to inflation as local authority rates and payments, which were up 12.2%. Earlier this week, the Green party recently called on the government to lower the minimum voting age to 16, which was in response to a move by the UK government last week, where they announced their plans to lower the voting age to 16 in time for their next general election. And the most recent figures from the Ministry of Social Development were published which showed that benefit sanctions have increased by 27% compared to last year, with the number of people receiving the benefit also increasing by 6.6%. For our weekly catchup with the Green party, Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March to get the party's take on all of these issues.

Rates, rent and power are a trio of factors responsible for driving up inflation, which has now jumped to a 12-month high. Stats NZ data showed food costs were also surging, alongside rates shooting up by 12.2% and electricity rising by more than 8%. However inflation is still within the Reserve Bank's target band and Finance Minister Nicola Willis has said it is under control. But the opposition said it shows the cost of living is still a problem. Kiwi bank Economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Melissa Chan-Green.

Experts have offered reassurance our high inflation isn't a sign of things to come. Stats NZ figures show the Consumers Price Index reached 2.7 percent for the year to June. Inflation fell to just 2.2 percent last year - from 7.3 percent three years ago - but has been rising since. Kiwibank senior economist Mary Jo Vergara says this is likely a spike, so should go back down. "If you look at domestic inflation, that's really trending down - so I don't think this is going to be something that is persistent." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stats NZ recently reported annual inflation increased to 2.7 percent in the three months to the end of June, and it's sparked concerns among experts. Economists had all been expecting annual inflation would be recorded at 2.8 percent or 2.9 percent - close to the Reserve Bank's 3 percent target band. Harbour Asset Management spokesperson Shane Solly revealed what this could mean for the economy going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rising inflation is hitting low-income households hard, but is expected to spark hikes to the OCR. New data -- due out from Stats NZ this morning -- is expected to show inflation has risen to between 2.6 and 2.9 percent in the year to June. ANZ Chief Economist Sharon Zollner says households are facing rising energy and food prices. She says inflation could surpass three percent in the year to September, but the Reserve Bank isn't likely to change course. LISTEN HERE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Households are still finding it tough to pay for the basics, with high prices not easing yet. Stats NZ has revealed the cost of food rose 4.6 percent in the 12 months to June. It's largely driven by double-digit increases for products like red meat, cheese and milk Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says the general economy is still experiencing intense price pressure and weakness - which isn't comforting. "Mince prices are now hitting nearly $22 a kilo. You can't even have a cheap mince meal at a cheap price." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20% of New Zealanders are struggling to pay their power bills with 11% cutting back on heating their homes, according to Consumer New Zealand's latest energy survey. Stats NZ figures show the price of electricty has gone up almost 9% in 12 months. Some people have told Checkpoint they are in bed by five to save on heating costs, others are taking extreme measures like turning off their hot water cylinder or bathing in cold water. Consumer's Manager of Powerswitch, Paul Fuge spoke to Lisa Owen about how to keep your power bill down this winter.

Do you know why your health insurance premiums are paying for someone elses operation? The cost of insurances have shot up recently; Stats NZ figures show as at March last year house insurance was up almost 25%, contents insurance up about 28% and car insurance up almost 23% compared to the previous year. Some companies offering health insurance as part of employment packages are looking to ditch or downgrade their cover as costs go up. Southern Cross had about 955,000 members last financial year or about 60% of Aotearoa's health insurance market by customer numbers. Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Regan Savage spoke to Lisa Owen.

The Prime Minister has promised to take action in the coming months to tackle the cost of living crisis. Christopher Luxon has acknowledged it is still tough out there for too many kiwis and the government's focus is on unlocking economic growth. According to Stats NZ the price of food has gone up 4.4% in the last year. Electricity is up almost 9% and gas is up more than 15%. As of March last year house insurance was up almost 25 % and contents insurance up about 28%. This week figures from Centrix showed almost half a million people are behind on debt repayments. Finance Minister Nicola Willis spoke to Lisa Owen.

A price tag of more than $80 for just over 3kg of prime New Zealand lamb is a little too rich, even for a former chef who devoted decades to fine dining. According to Stats NZ in the past year food prices have gone up 4.4% percent. That's the biggest jump since December 2023. Tony Astle ran the legendary Auckland fine dining restaurant Antoines in Parnell for almost 50 years. He spoke to Lisa Owen about how to keep cooking costs down.

Some pensioners are resorting to extreme power rationing to keep up with rising costs. Turning off hot water cylinders for days at a time and heading to bed as soon as it's dark to save on electricity. Stats NZ figures show electricity costs have gone up almost 9% in the twelve months from June last year. Gas has gone up almost 15.5% over the same period. The government's winter energy payment for those on super and a number of other benefits is up to $700 over five months. But Age Concern Canterbury says it's not enough with an increasing number of people relying on super alone; there's only so many expenses they can trim. Chief Executive of Age Concern Canterbury, Greta Bond spoke to Lisa Owen.

A rising number of people are considering ditching insurance, taking a gamble to cope with rising prices. New figures from Centrix show almost half a million people are behind on debt repayments, with nearly 22,000 in mortgage arrears. Company liquidations have risen 27% year-on-year. Stats NZ figures show as at March last year house insurance was up almost 25 %, contents insurance up about 28% and car insurance up almost 23% compared to the previous year. Checkpoint spoke to a number of people weighing up the cost of insurance.

Consents keep dropping but the energy in the building sector may be beginning to turn. Stats NZ figures show new home consents fell 3.8% in the year to May and plunged 8.6% for multi-unit dwellings. Stats NZ says it's levelling off, but NZIER's latest Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion shows only 3% of building firms expect conditions to improve, down from 6% three months ago. But Combined Building Supplies Co-Op CEO Carl Taylor told Mike Hosking that building consent data is only a small part of the industry, and as a whole, it's starting to feel better across the board. He says that some stats are normally three or four months behind, and instead they track what their members are spending across their merchants, which has seen a 10% increase on the previous month. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it's a block of butter or cheese, a kilo of mince, a dozen eggs or a cooked chook, food prices have gone up rapidly. The latest Stats NZ figures show in the past 12 months food prices have gone up 4.4% - the highest increase since December 2023. Over the last three years Checkpoint has been tracking a weekly shop from the same suburb at a Countdown and Pak'n SAVE supermarket to see just how much things have gone up at the checkout. Louise Ternouth reports.

Unemployment is currently at 5.1%, with 156,000 people out of work. As the cost of living crisis continues to ravage discretionary spending, according to Stats NZ food prices have also gone up 4.4% in the past year. Inflation has continued to rise and lower income households have been hit hard. Kiwibank Chief economist Jarrod Kerr spoke to Lisa Owen.