Food prices in New Zealand climbed 0.4% in the 12 months to August 2024, slightly down from July’s 0.6% rise, according to Stats NZ.

Locals on the Hibiscus Coast are noticing a sharp increase in restaurant meals and grocery items, with prices for ready-to-eat food up 3.6% and groceries up 2.4%.

James Mitchell, Stats NZ’s consumer prices manager, explained that popular items such as hamburgers, takeaway coffees, and lunch options are contributing to higher restaurant bills.

Grocery items like butter, olive oil, and chocolate blocks are also becoming pricier.

“The average price of a 250g block of chocolate has increased 20% since this time last year,” Mitchell said.

There is some good news for Coasties as fruit and vegetable prices have seen a notable drop, falling by 12.2%.

Kūmara and potato prices, which were at record highs last year, have dropped significantly—kūmara prices are down 53.9%, and potatoes have decreased by 26.6%.

“The average price of 1kg of potatoes in August 2024 was $2.18, the lowest price recorded since 2021,” Mitchell added.

Transport costs also fell in August, with petrol prices dropping 1.7% and diesel prices down 2.8%.

While most regions saw decreases, Whangārei recorded a slight rise in petrol prices.

Domestic and international airfares also saw reductions of 0.8% and 2.0%, respectively.

Despite these reductions in some areas, Coasties are still facing rising costs in key spending categories like groceries and dining out.