Kelly Eckhold: Westpac Chief Economist says NZ on the cost of living rising 3.2% in the year to June

An economist says New Zealand is no longer in a cost of living crisis.   New Stats NZ data shows the cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 3.2% in the year to June 2026 quarter.   It's the largest jump in more than four years, with higher petrol prices accounting for almost one-third of the annual increase  Westpac Chief Economist Kelly Eckhold told Mike Hosking it isn't a crisis, but concedes it's not a comfortable situation for many.   He says cost increases are outstripping wage increases, but it isn't as bad as the post-Covid era.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.