skinny.

Latest / The SME Stream

Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist says NZ on the cost of living rising 3.2% in the year to June

An economist says New Zealand is no longer in a cost of living crisis.

New Stats NZ data shows the cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.2% in the year to June 2026 quarter.

It's the largest jump in more than four years, with higher petrol prices accounting for almost one-third of the annual increase

Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking it isn't a crisis, but concedes it's not a comfortable situation for many.

He says cost increases are outstripping wage increases, but it isn't as bad as the post-Covid era.

LISTEN ABOVE

See omnystudio.com/listener…

The skinny

The skinny isn't ready yet — notes appear once the transcript is processed.