Kiwi parents are skipping meals to ensure their children get fed. 

A new survey from the Salvation Army reveals the extent of what New Zealanders are having to endure to get through expensive winter months.

It shows that one in two Kiwis don't heat up their homes because it's too expensive and half of us avoid going to the doctor when sick.

National Practice Manager, Jono Bell, told Mike Hosking one surprising figure is the 37 percent who admit skipping meals.

"We often hear stories of parents going without meals to  ensure their kids are fed and that's just part of those rising costs over those winter months."

LISTEN ABOVE AS JONO BELL TALKS TO MIKE HOSKING