Stress And Starvation Cost Of Living Crisis Hits Home In New Zealand

Some nights, all Jessemy Evans has to eat is the leftovers on her toddler’s plate. She has stopped buying meat, insulated her windows with plastic to save on heating and cancels activities requiring petrol use – but despite living frugally, each day is becoming tougher as the high cost of living in New Zealand bites.

- Eva Corlett

“Everything is on the up but income is not going up in the same way – there is a deficit,” Evans said.

The relentless battle to cover housing and food costs is now harming Evans’ mental health. “You’re trying to show up for your baby and play, and be happy, but in the back of your mind there’s always a niggle of: ‘ God, what if something breaks?’ ”

The sacrifices she makes – particularly in nutrition – also create “a downward spiral” towards further health costs, she add ed. “It is on my mind all day, every day: how can we survive like this?”