Economic difficulties across the ditch appear to echo the struggles felt in many New Zealand households.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has delivered a brutal reality check to the nation on the cost of living, as it expects the situation to worsen.
It warns prices will never return to pre-pandemic levels.
Infometrics Principal Economist Brad Olsen told Mike Hosking it's the same story here.
He says it would be a sign of very tough economic times if businesses were cutting their prices so drastically.
LISTEN ABOVE

Mike's Minute: Not everything is a conspiracy
02:09

Ben Kennings: Surfing NZ CEO on the World Surf League event at Raglan's Manu Bay
03:24

Steve Jurkovich: Kiwibank CEO gives economic lay of the land ahead of Budget, OCR announcement
05:33