#tekaupapa: Survival Mode: Cost of Living and Fuel Crisis Push Whānau to the Brink

Across Aotearoa, the cost of living is no longer just a policy debate or economic talking point – it is a daily reality shaping how whānau live, eat, travel, and care for one another.

At the centre of this pressure is a sharp and sustained rise in the cost of essentials. Food prices continue to climb, rent remains out of reach for many, power bills are increasing, and fuel costs are placing added strain on already stretched household budgets. For many Māori whānau, particularly those living in rural and regional communities, these rising costs are compounding long-standing inequities.

Fuel, in particular, has become a critical pressure point. In many parts of the country, there are limited alternatives to driving. Getting to work, taking tamariki to kura, attending medical appointments, or simply accessing basic services all rely on the ability to fill the tank. When fuel prices rise, it is not a discretionary cost that can be avoided – it is a necessary expense that directly impacts a whānau’s ability to function.

The ripple effects are being felt across every aspect of daily life. Whānau are making increasingly difficult choices about how to allocate limited resources. Grocery budgets are being cut back, with cheaper and less nutritious options often replacing fresh food. Heating is being reduced or switched off altogether, even as temperatures begin to drop. Transport is prioritised over other essentials, or vice versa, depending on what is most urgent that week.

These decisions are not just financial – they carry significant human consequences.

Parents are going without meals to ensure their tamariki are fed. Children are experiencing the impacts of food insecurity, affecting their health, learning, and overall wellbeing. Kaumātua, many of whom are already vulnerable, are facing the harsh reality of choosing between staying warm and managing other living costs.

The emotional toll is equally significant. Financial stress is contributing to increased anxiety, pressure within households, and a sense of instability. The erosion of dignity – the inability to provide for one’s whānau or meet basic needs – is a deeply felt impact that extends beyond the numbers.

For Māori communities, these challenges are often intensified by structural factors, including lower average incomes, higher living costs in some regions, and limited access to services. Rural isolation can further magnify these pressures, as whānau face higher transport costs and fewer local options for affordable goods and services.

The current environment is exposing the fragility of many households, where even small increases in cost can tip families into crisis. It also raises broader questions about resilience and preparedness, particularly as global pressures continue to influence inflation, fuel prices, and supply chains.

Community organisations and support networks are reporting increased demand, as more whānau seek assistance to meet basic needs. Foodbanks, budgeting services, and iwi-led initiatives are stepping in to provide support, but the scale of demand is growing.

The cost of living and fuel crisis is not just about economics – it is about the wellbeing of whānau, the strength of communities, and the ability of people to live with dignity.

As Aotearoa moves into the colder months, the pressure is expected to intensify. Without meaningful relief or long-term solutions, many whānau will continue to operate in survival mode – navigating each week as it comes, making difficult choices, and carrying the weight of a system that is becoming increasingly hard to sustain.

For many, the question is no longer how to get ahead – but how to get through.

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