Higher prices for the grocery food subgroup contributed the most to the annual increase, up 4% annually and 2.3% on a monthly basis. Prices for the non-alcoholic beverages subcategory increased by 4% annually and 2.7% monthly, while prices for the restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food subcategory increased by 2.6% annually and 0.2% monthly. Electricity prices continued their upward trend, with prices up 11.5% on an annual basis and monthly prices lifting by 0.3% in January. Petrol and diesel prices fallPetrol and diesel prices decreased by 2.4% and 3.2% from December 2025 to January 2026, respectively. As for accommodation, domestic prices were up 1.5% on an annual basis but fell 0.5% on a monthly basis, while international accommodation prices were up 1.4% annually, but fell 10.1% on a monthly basis.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 17, 2026 00:10 UTC