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Hard economic times aren't new
With the phrase "cost of living" first popping up in newspapers more than a century ago, we take a dive into the history of tough times. Audio
Pinch point headlines with summaries.
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People turning to pedal power to save money
25 Sep 2025Bike charities and loan schemes in Wellington are in demand, and the clientele is increasingly shifting towards middle class wage-earners. Audio
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'I'm very fearful': Surge in demand for free health clinic
22 Sep 2025"The cost of a GP is a killer for a lot of people," says the manager of a free kaupapa Māori hauora clinic in Central Hawke's Bay. Audio
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Urban dwellers doing it tough in two-speed economy
Foodbanks are seeing more people who need help, including those who are working.
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Built on trust: Porirua $291k savings pool offers financial lifeline
A trust-based community-run wealth pool is helping families access interest-free loans and escape the cycle of crippling debt.
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Regional economy shows greenshoots of recovery
After a handful of tough years, farmers in Taranaki are getting a bumper payout for dairy and record beef prices. Audio
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'Don't worry bro': The man working to get people jobs
11 Sep 2025As a growing number of Central Hawke's Bay residents desperately search for work, local man Bevan Thompson is helping. Audio
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'Busier than ever': Cost of living a boon for butchers
As meat prices soar, RNZ looks at what meat people are choosing to buy and from where. Audio
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'I've taught myself not to like it': Butter on the chopping block as prices rise
4 Sep 2025While the cost of living is seeing some residents forgoing small pleasures like real dairy, others are giving up entirely on saving for retirement. Audio
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The workers forced to live in cars
3 Sep 2025"Sadly nowadays if you have got a car, it is more shelter than some have got".
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How Wellington shoppers are saving money at markets
2 Sep 2025And what they might being going without in tough economic times.
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The vicious cycle of spiralling dental bills
1 Sep 2025Dentists are seeing patients with bigger problems - some because they do not have the money for a check up. Audio
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