It couldn't be further from the case, because the New Zealanders I speak to and the New Zealanders we speak to are struggling. Food is up: 18 percent more for fruit and vegetables in the past year alone. Petrol looks set to go over $3 a litre again. Rents have gone up by the most in one year in New Zealand's history: up $50 more a week. Mortgage-payers are looking at paying thousands more in interest on their loans. 