Many UoA students were among those who received the first of three cost of living payments last week.
Announced as part of the Government’s 2022 budget in May, the cost of living payment provides short-term support to those earning less than $70,000 who are not entitled to the winter energy payment.
Those eligible will receive $350 over three instalments. The payment works out to provide an additional $27 per week over three months.
Whether it may be a single textbook, half a tank of gas, or two and a half days of rent, Craccum asked students what they would be spending the extra moolah each month on.
Ronette, Engineering and Commerce
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“I already spent it on my electricity bill.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“Personally for me it’s really helpful. I live on my own and have so many bills. The amount they gave was too small. They should have customised it more based on living situation.”
Liam, Politics, Sociology and Global Studies
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“Most of it went towards rent and basic expenses. Straight away I put 50 bucks on my HOP card.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“There could have been other targeted measures. For me a big one is public transport. That’s a big part of my fee for living. Accommodation support is also an issue. Although it was a good amount of money to help out, I feel like in the long run it’s not that beneficial. It’s a short term answer to a big issue.”
Shiv, Science Stoner
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“Probably psychedelics.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“I think it’s a good thing to help people out.”
Aman, Property and Commerce
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“I put it in my savings.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“I think it’s good but it shouldn’t be the same amount for everyone. It should vary based on income. But an extra bit of money isn’t bad. Student loans are expensive and if university was more funded that would help with the cost of living. You shouldn’t have to stop coming in to uni because it’s too expensive.”
Harry, Finance Bro
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“Investments and the stock market.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“I don’t think it’s good. They are giving it to people outside of New Zealand. That doesn’t help at all. It should just be people who are paying tax in New Zealand.”
Ayyan, Whipped Finance Bro
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“Stuff for my girlfriend.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“I think it’s counterproductive. When more money flows into the economy, money supply goes up, and prices go up. It’s not going to help with the cost of living.”
Neli, Arts and Global Studies
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“I put it away in my savings until I need it.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“The amount to be honest is so good. But there are some people who don’t qualify for it that might be struggling more than I am. If they had a larger eligibility criteria that would be better.”
Noor, Commerce
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“Being a uni student, I feel like it is eventually just going to go to Auckland Transport. I do live at home, so I don’t have many costs of my own. But being an older sibling, my sisters will want me to help them out a little bit.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“Although it’s great that our student loan is interest free, you have to consider the books, electronics, and other resources required for online learning such as WiFi. Those are all costs we have to pay. So I think it’s good.”
Sarah, Law and Commerce
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“It went straight into savings. But then I bought an accounting textbook for about the same price.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“It was a nice surprise getting it. I live at home, and have a part-time job so it wasn’t a big difference to me. But I think for those paying rent it will be a big help. So perhaps they shouldn’t have given it to me, and given a bit more to those people instead.”
Will, Law and Global Studies
What will you be using the cost of living payment for?
“I’ve just put it in my savings to cover anything that comes up.”
What do you think about the payment as a response to the cost of living crisis?
“I honestly think it could have been more targeted. I live at home so my expenses are really low. Part of me was like, it’s nice. But at the same time there are other people who need it more than I do.”