Households are still finding it tough to pay for the basics, with high prices not easing yet. 

Stats NZ has revealed the cost of food rose 4.6 percent in the 12 months to June.

It's largely driven by double-digit increases for products like red meat, cheese and milk

Infometrics principal economist Brad Olsen says the general economy is still experiencing intense price pressure and weakness - which isn't comforting.

"Mince prices are now hitting nearly $22 a kilo. You can't even have a cheap mince meal at a cheap price."

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