People are heading into an election year under pressure. Against that backdrop, 1News reporter Aziz Al-Sa’afin asks a simple question in a new TVNZ+ series: What Matters Most?
The cost of living remains stubbornly high, with inflation continuing to bite and petrol prices stubbornly holding over $3. Grocery bills are stretching further and, for some households, even the basics are becoming harder to afford.
In this week's episode, we took to Auckland's Albert Park, near the universities, to ask students how they are getting on in the current climate.
'Difference about the UK and here'
For international student Xanthe Baker, who is here from the UK, she noticed the political landscape is much different in Aotearoa.
"Being here for a period of time, I think the difference between the UK and here is about how engaged people are with the news and how people consume it differently," she said.
"It's like the election cycles here are so short, I think politicians really only engage in the lead-up.
"I think the one thing that matters to me is young people being more politically engaged".
She has loved her time in New Zealand but outlined one thing that is tougher than home.
"The big difference is that groceries are more expensive here, especially when it comes to winter, like fresh fruit and veg is more expensive."
Xanthe also shared a message for New Zealand's political leaders.
"I think it's just to get young people involved. It's such an important age group, they're going to be living the policies that governments introduce, some more than others."
'Things are really difficult right now'
Nimish Milan Singh is the President of the Auckland University Students' Association and what matters most to him at the moment is helping his struggling peers.
"I think things are really difficult right now, especially for our students. They're working really hard, they're studying really hard, they're doing everything that they're told to do," he said.
"Yet, they still can't afford to pay rent, to buy the groceries, to actually see the future that people told them is out there for them.
"So I think the main thing is that act of optimism, actually getting out there, talking to other students and saying: 'Hey, let's work together. Let's see what we can do so that we can actually build our future together'."
He also worries about the current state of the world facing students, while trying to remain positive.
"I'm quite an optimistic person, but I have a little bit of concern as there's so many different changes happening in the world, so I'm just kind of going along with the ride and seeing where it takes me."
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