Why pensioner households experienced the fastest inflation
New Zealand pensioner households are experiencing the highest inflation rates in the country, driven largely by rising costs for electricity, rates, and petrol. Many retirees on fixed incomes are struggling to manage these essential expenses as their purchasing power declines.
Why it matters
This highlights the disproportionate impact of inflation on vulnerable populations, particularly those relying on fixed government pensions.
<p>Whangārei pensioner Bruce Tebbutt says he's noticed the price of everything increasing recently.</p> <p><b>By Susan Edmunds of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/personal-finance/835678/simple-things-make-it-really-difficult-why-pensioner-households-have-had-fastest-inflation" target="_blank"><b>RNZ</b></a><b> </b></p> <p>"Groceries, power and petrol, which I guess are all the obvious ones."</p> <p>He said he had other income streams as well as receiving NZ Super, which meant his household was more able to absorb the increases, but he could see why many could not. "I was really aware when doing supermarket shopping recently how much things had risen in cost."</p> <p>He said, if his circumstances were different, he probably would have been looking to return to the workforce – if he could find a job.</p> <p>Data from Stats NZ this week showed he isn't the only one feeling the pressure.
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