Cost Of Living
Mediawatch: Media milking butter battle
Bitter battles over butter prices have led news bulletins, partly prompted by the finance minister's 'please explain' to Fonterra. But one editor says many in the media missed the point.
Do you know what people on benefits actually get?
A misguided view of the generosity of welfare is one of the problems threatening social cohesion, a researcher says: "Without social cohesion, societies become increasingly unstable."
Hundreds sit down to giant community lunches, as need soars
As more than 700 people sit down to community Christmas Day lunches, the levels of need in the community this year are the worst it has been, both Auckland and Wellington city missioners say.
Wgtn homeless numbers soar in housing crisis - advocate
There has been a 40 percent increase in homelessness in Wellington, according to a charity that works with rough sleepers. Audio
Are small businesses doing it tougher than in the GFC?
Opinion - Small businesses are being squeezed from every side, and doing it tougher in some ways even than during the GFC, Antje Fiedler and Benjamin Fath write.
Govt must act to break supermarket duopoly - consumer watchdog
Even more drastic change than the grocery commissioner's plans to ramp up regulation and enforcement is needed, Consumer NZ says
Desperate stores starting Boxing Day sales early
Tighter budgets mean lighter stockings as consumers get more picky with their holiday shopping.
Cutting fruit and veg GST not the best way to help - tax expert
Opinion - Rising food prices bring up debates on removing GST from fresh produce - but is this a good idea? And if not, what alternatives might there be to help people afford fruit and vegetables?
