A new financial year has begun and with it comes a change in benefit payments, with a number of payments to New Zealand households increasing.
There has been criticism from some sectors that benefit increases are indexed to the consumers price index, rather than average wage growth.
And some critics argue a two-percent increase to the minimum wage actually represents a step backwards for those struggling with the cost of living.
David Verry from North Harbour budgeting services spoke to Corin Dann.
