New Zealand June Food Prices Jump 1.2%, Fastest Gain This Year

New Zealand’s Food Price Index increased 1.2% in June from the previous month, Statistics New Zealand data show, up from a 0.5% gain in May. The jump in grocery costs marks the largest monthly rise since early 2025 and comes as the country continues to wrestle with stubborn household inflation. Food makes up a significant share of New Zealanders’ living expenses, making the index a closely watched component of the consumer-price basket. Market reaction was muted, with the New Zealand dollar little changed immediately after the release.