What’s Changing on 1 April and How It Could Affect You

From 1 April, a number of financial changes are coming into effect across New Zealand that may impact your day-to-day living costs.

While not all of these changes are aimed at older people, some could still affect your weekly budget, especially if you are on a fixed income.

One of the key updates is an increase in KiwiSaver contribution rates. Employee contributions will rise from 3% to 3.5%, which may slightly reduce take-home pay for those still in the workforce.

There are also ongoing changes to electricity pricing, with the gradual removal of low-user tariffs. This could mean higher power bills for some households, particularly those who rely on lower energy usage plans.

Other changes, such as adjustments to government payments like Best Start, are less directly relevant to older people but reflect broader shifts in the cost-of-living landscape.

With multiple changes happening at once, it’s a good time to review your finances and make sure your budget still works for you.

If you are finding it harder to keep up with rising costs, Age Concern South Canterbury is here to support you. Our team can provide information, advice, and connect you with services that may help.