Hibiscus Coast shoppers are still feeling it at the checkout, with food prices up 4.4 percent in the year to November 2025, Stats NZ says.

Grocery food drove most of the annual lift, up 4.6 percent. Meat, poultry, and fish were up 7.7 percent.

Stats NZ said the average price of milk was $4.91 for 2 litres, up 15.8 percent over the year.

Porterhouse or sirloin steak averaged $45.39 per kg, up 26.7 percent.

A 600g white loaf averaged $2.13, up 53.2 percent. Stats NZ noted these milk and bread prices are the cheapest available options for each.

“Bread is a staple food for many households,” prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said.

“It now costs 74 cents more for a loaf of white bread than this time last year.”

There was a small break in November, with food prices down 0.4 percent compared with October.

Fruit and vegetables fell 4.5 percent over the month, with seasonal produce like tomatoes, strawberries, cucumbers, and lettuce contributing.

Rent prices were up 1.4 percent annually, with the yearly increase slowing since May 2024.

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