More New Zealanders struggling to afford essentials due to cost of living

Thursday 15 October 2026 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 15 Oct, 5:34am

In this story University of Otago

The 2025/26 New Zealand Consumer Lifestyles Study shows an increase in people classified as financial strugglers. Research indicates that 40 per cent of respondents struggle to pay for essentials, while nearly half are no longer purchasing items they normally would due to budget pressures.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldThu 15 Oct, 5:00am

   Cost of living: More Kiwis struggle to afford essentials, seek cheapest products (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 15 Oct, 5:00am

   Cost of living pressures impacting consumer habits, people choosing to go without (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 15 Oct, 5:34am

   Study reveals different types of consumers, which one are you? (opens in new tab)