25/03/2026
Most New Zealand cost-of-living content is written for individual budgets.
It assumes you're managing money alone. It doesn't mention koha or fa'alavelave. It doesn't account for church tithes or remittances to family overseas. It doesn't recognise that many of us are already stretched before any crisis hits.
That's why it doesn't work for us.
Māori and Pacific whānau manage money collectively. We have cultural and family obligations that are non-negotiable. We support extended family, church, and community. We're generous by nature, but that generosity comes at a cost when times are tight.
When fuel prices surge and groceries get dearer, the impact on our whānau is different. We can't just cut back on individual spending. We have to navigate family expectations, cultural obligations, and the reality that we're already stretched.
This week's guide addresses this directly. It's written for how we actually live, not for some generic household budget.
If you're navigating rising costs while managing collective household responsibilities, this resource is for you.
https://www.jamespratt.com/blog/fuel-prices-whanau-budgets-whats-coming-next
