Kiwis spent more on the essentials between 2019 and 2023 as the cost of living crisis unfolded, according to new data from Stats NZ.
Data collected from the Household Economic Survey showed Kiwis spending more on the essentials between June 2019 and June 2023.
The amount households spent on food shot up 28.1% to $300 per week.
Housing and household utilities were up 15.5% to $398 per week, while transport cost Kiwis an average of $252 per week, shooting up 16.5%.
Other areas that saw an increase were health (up 18.5% to $50 a week), insurance, personal care, and credit services (up 21.6% to $139 a week), and contributions to savings and interest payments (up 31.4% to $176 a week).
Stats NZ said these areas made up 82.2% of total household expenditure during the period.
The average weekly expenditure across the country was $1598.
"The increase in total household expenditure between 2019 and 2023 is a reflection of the increased cost of living experienced by New Zealanders, due to global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and extreme weather events," wealth and poverty statistics senior manager Victoria Treliving said.
During that same period, Kiwis spent less on communication, including postal services, internet, and cell phones, alongside recreation and culture, including hobbies, sports, and travel.
"While households have spent more on essentials such as food and interest payments, we are also seeing more households prioritising personal contributions to their saving schemes," Treliving said.
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