[Familyofmonkeys]

Already posted below on another thread, but thought i'd start another one. There is alot of info posted on the subject. We too have had to rethink the way we used to shop in UK. Have only been here 3 months, and been on grocery budget since the beginning.

We have found that you basically get penalised for being lazy, which most of use are at some point or another. Basics (apart from bread), fruit and veg we find really cheap, but ready meals, and anything in freezer section are expensive. I grew up in a small village where we used to shop once a week or fortnight, so it is like going back to childhood routine for me, but OH grew up in city, and does not put things in shopping trolley if he thinks we have enough for a few more days. I am inclined to have well stocked cupboards and buy things in bulk, when on offer. We have also found that it is not always cheaper to buy things at the cheapest price elsewhere, as you can end up paying more for extra petrol travelling, than you actually save. I guess that depends on how far apart your nearest supermarkets are?

We gave ourself a budget of $250 week for family of 5 (including 3 kids in nappies) and so far have been spending about $200, even with a few luxury items...biccies, nice cheese, chips & dips for weekend etc. I would be interested in how this compares to other peoples grocery spending?

In UK I would rate supermarkets something like this (quality/price/range):
M&S Foodhall
Waitrose
Sainsuburys
Tesco
Asda/Morrisons/Sommerfield
Netto/Lidl/Aldi

I wouldn't mind knowing where other people shop, how much difference you find in your weekly shop from one supermarket to another. Also where you would rate it in terms of UK equivalent supermarkets?

Reply With Quote

[Sam B]

I'm too embarrassed to say how much we spend (considerably more than you!) but I've found that supermarkets don't really compare like they do in the UK. E.g. the New World in Cambridge is naff without much range, but the one on Te Rapa in Hamilton is great, a bit like a good Sainsburys, so there doesn't seem to be the same consistency. I'm still looking for the M&S equivalent, I'll let you know when I find it!!

[Familyofmonkeys]

From what I have seen so far, Foodtown seems to be the nearest I can find to M&S. It's not that they have much choice...seem to be quite small supermarkets without huge isles of cheap basics. But for us, they seem to have way more choice over veggie products e.g. sausages, burgers, samosas, spring rolls etc. They also have a fairly goos deli, more speciality breads and bigger selection of oriental veg for stir fries. Went to Foodtown at the Plaza on Whangaparaoa and actually found some stuff I recognised from the UK...Birdseye Veggie Fingers and sweetcorn fritters. Hubby was really chuffed cos he is not as keen on all the tofu based stuff, but will eat whatever is available. Now i've got a freezer again, I will be stocking up next time we drive past a foodtown on our travels!!

[phatsharpie]

Are there farmer's markets? I assume there are... What's the price/quality like for them?

Brian

[Familyofmonkeys]

There are several of those farm fruit/veg outlet places near us...a bit like mini warehouses. Some prices are really cheap...saw kiwi fruit advertised for 45c per kilo a week ago. But, quality seems to vary wildly, and you could end up spending more on petrol than you would save if you make the journey specially. If it's on the way to somewhere else, it's probably worth a look. Mind you, its winter at the moment, so probably better in summer. Someone who has been here longer would be in a better position to comment.

[nippa&pippa]

there is lots of farmer's market near where i live at lincoln, tai tapu, leeston etc, but not yet been one because it is winter at moment. Seem they "closed" for winter!!! but they tend to sell their products in local community butcher where i buy my meat from...

[Silverwing86]

The first few months we did most of our shopping at Foodtown (the one in Whangaparaoa Plaza actually ;)).

We find their selection to be more than adequate (we like their meat choices !), but have learned to always check the Best Before dates as several times we have bought stuff there that was either almost, or waaaaay over, the date. We bought a freezer meal in April that turned out to have a Best Before date of November 2006 :uhoh !

For the past couple of months we have been doing our main shopping at Pak-n-Save and boy does that make a difference ! The have a huge range of products (even imported stuff !) and we find the quality of the fresh produce quite good. Their fresh bread rolls are the best we've found, even after having been frozen, they still taste really fresh and good ! I won't mention their absolutely scrumptious Chocolate Mud Cakes :D...

We go to the one in Albany, a fair drive (approximately 25 minutes) from where we live on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, but we usually combine the shopping with other things we need to do in Albany anyway so the extra petrol costs weigh up.

We go approximately once every three weeks and stock up really well. About halfway through the 3 weeks we tend to visit a veggie barn or the like for some more fresh greens to last us until the next Pak-n-Save trip. There is only the two of us so I imagine that makes it a lot easier to do it like this than if we had children.

Also, we still shop at Foodtown for one or two specific items, but costwise these are negligable.

I have to say that shopping at Pak-n-Save has made a marked difference in our consumable spending ! We've also found that we spend less simply because we go to the supermarket less often, we always tend to come home with more than we planned ;)...

I agree wholeheartedly with the fact that frozen meals are very expensive here, mind you, they were expensive where we came from as well (The Netherlands). It would be very hard to stick to the budget if we bought a lot of those.

Can't really comment on the comparisons with the UK as we didn't come from there...

Silver

[Moorf]

For the two of us, weekly, with wine, I spend around $250-$300 including all those little weekday trips on the way back from work. We use New World or Woolworths. I hate PaknScratch and will go to Countdown if NWorld or Woolies not available.

Raewards Fresh is good for fruit and veg if you're in the area - not sure if that's just a Chch/Canterbury chain though.

[Caroline and Dave]

For the past couple of months we have been doing our main shopping at Pak-n-Save and boy does that make a difference ! The have a huge range of products (even imported stuff !) and we find the quality of the fresh produce quite good. Their fresh bread rolls are the best we've found, even after having been frozen, they still taste really fresh and good ! I won't mention their absolutely scrumptious Chocolate Mud Cakes :D...

We go to the one in Albany, a fair drive (approximately 25 minutes) from where we live on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, but we usually combine the shopping with other things we need to do in Albany anyway so the extra petrol costs weigh up.


Silver

Livng in Albany,we use Pak'nsave all the time and agree entirely with what you say.We went in a Pak'nsave near Christchurch on our tour and did not find it as good. They seem to differ depending on where you live. When the Mega Centre opens in Albany at the end of this year there will be a massive New World so we will see how that compares.

Kind regards

Dave and Caroline

[Moorf]

They seem to differ depending on where you live.

Absolutely!

[IanW99]

Thought I would post this information for those who don't know about the supermarket arrangements in NZ

The supermarkets in NZ are a bit different to those in the UK, there are actually only two main companies running the various supermarkets progressive (http://www.progressive.co.nz) and foodstuffs (http://www.foodstuffs.co.nz)

The main supermarket chains for Progressive are Foodtown, Woolworths and Countdown.

And for Foodstuffs are New World and Pak'n'Save

With Foodtown, Woolworths and New World catering to the more expensive end of the market (think M&S, Sainsburys etc).

Countdown and Pak'n'Save cater for the cheaper end (think Asda, Aldi etc).

The strange thing (to me anyway) is that even for the same chain, the range of merchandise and prices seem to fluctuate on a whim.

Ian

[Oregonkiwi]

We go to Foodtown once a week and usually spend around $90 on enough for the week, plus about another $20 at the vegie shop. This is for 2 adults and a 3 year old. (We don't buy lunches and don't usually pick up anything during the week.)

We tried Pak & Save a few times but the cost difference was slight compared to the cost and hassle of driving across town to get there, when Foodtown is just a few blocks away, and also when we factored in the Foodtown One Card savings.

[Oregonkiwi]

Are there farmer's markets?

http://www.farmersmarket.org.nz/home.htm

[Danny & Julie]

I go to Pak'n'Save once a week and spend between $200-$250 for 2 adults & 4 kids. The Pak'n'Save on Mill street in Hamilton is good but it's really busy unlike Countdown over the road, it's like a ghost town.
I used to shop at New World on Te Rapa but I could easily spent $350 a week which is way too much. Although all the supermarkets are chains they are privately owned, just like a franchise. This is why the prices differ from place to place.

[jen]

The farmers markets here in Welly are still going strong this time of year. I try to get down to the one by Te Papa a couple times a month. Some things are much cheaper there (onions and tomatoes, cilantro, garlic) and some seem about the same price/quality as Pak n Save (apples & pears).

We're spending about $500/month on groceries (not counting wine) for 2 people. Now, to qualify that we certainly COULD spend less and eat quite well but since money isn't tight at the moment I cook what sounds good without worrying that an expensive ingredient or two will break the budget.

Once a week I go to PaknSave and then across the street to Woolworth's to get what's on sale there/what I can't get at PaknSave. There are two 'specialty' food stores I go to about once a month: Mediterranean Food Warehouse & Moore Wilson's (for Californians - that's the closest thing to Trader Joe's here). There's a few things I buy at Commen Sense Organics - there's not the selection of premade vegetarian stuff I'm used to (we haven't really found a veggie burger we like) but I buy organic peanut butter, whole wheat pasta, dry beans & different kinds of lentils there. It's more expensive but for those things I'm willing to pay more.

IMO food is quite a bit more expensive than in the States. Dog food is much, much more expensive here :( On the other hand, the fish is cheaper & better, and fresh mussels are so cheap it's unbelievable. I've eaten more lamb in 6 months than in my entire life - in the States chicken is the cheap meat. I've been getting wonderful pears for very little, cheap broccoli all winter . . but when things go out of season the price goes UP much more than I'm used to. Zucchini (courgettes) are $18/kilo! Eggplants work out to about $6 apiece. No more ratatouille until summer :laugh

We go out for dinner once a week & meet for lunch out a couple times a month - I LOVE going out I hate to admit. That's a budget item we could cut back on if we ever need to . . . and so is my flat white consumption :o

Jen

[Moorf]

Just as an aside - do any other rural folks in NZ get together with locals and get a home-kill done?

Here in rural Canterbury it's not uncommon for a neighbour to mention that they're "having a pig/cow/lamb done" and would we like a share?

To have a cow killed and jointed by local butchers is about $500 - $800. Out of that there's enough cuts/joints/mince/sausages/chops/ribs to easily fill a big chest freezer and it works out, if sharing with 1 or 2 other families, a good way to buy very fresh meat.

If you don't know anyone in your neighbourhood yet then try popping in to the local butchers and just asking if it's something that's done in your area and if they know of anyone they can hook you up with.

Just a thought....

Plus, if you have a local farm that sells produce at the gate, can you get them to make you up a seasonal veggie crate once a week - you're helping the local people and getting super-frish veggies!!

This is probably best for those, like me, who are 55km+ away from a major supermarket!

Moorf

[wanderingoregonian]

Moof.. your last post reminded my of my childhood in Oregon. A family friend often split half a steer with us, which to this day is why I have no idea what various beef cuts are - i just grew up pulling a block of beef from the freezer, defrosting, and then cooking based on what it looked like. No idea what each cut was actually called, the labels long rubbed off by the time we ate it.

As for welly food.. we go to the veg market off willis street every Sunday morning and spend about 20-25. We get all our protien from our local butcher (meat, eggs, dairy) $50/week in several trips. I avoid the big grocery stores, but go to New Worlds in my neighborhood about 2x/month for things like flour, toliet paper etc. We don't have a car, and jsut limiting myself to what I can carry home saves money too!!!

[Familyofmonkeys]

How does New Word comapre to UK supermarkets? Drove past one the other day.

[willsken]

Just as an aside - do any other rural folks in NZ get together with locals and get a home-kill done?

Here in rural Canterbury it's not uncommon for a neighbour to mention that they're "having a pig/cow/lamb done" and would we like a share?

To have a cow killed and jointed by local butchers is about $500 - $800. Out of that there's enough cuts/joints/mince/sausages/chops/ribs to easily fill a big chest freezer and it works out, if sharing with 1 or 2 other families, a good way to buy very fresh meat.

We have some land completing shortly and we are going to "grow" our own cow. You send it off to the local meat factory and get a credit note for the local butchers. This has 2 benefits... you're not eating your own cow, who you know... (I couldn't do that, too much of a townie) and 2. you don't only have to eat a freezer full of cow!:yes

[Moorf]

How does New Word comapre to UK supermarkets? Drove past one the other day.For me, I just felt more "at home" in New World and Woolworths when we first arrived and have stuck with them as they've always been nearby or handy to get to. I also find better selections of ethnic goods there such as cheeses, pastas, sauces, deli. However, one N/World can be brilliant and another just awful. I went to a few duff places before I got to know my "favourites". Don't walk in to the first one you see and assume they're all the same, shop around (literally!).

Re pickled ginger - you can get this in Woolworths in the Ethnic section in small vacuum-packs.

[Moorf]

We have some land completing shortly and we are going to "grow" our own cow. You send it off to the local meat factory and get a credit note for the local butchers. This has 2 benefits... you're not eating your own cow, who you know... (I couldn't do that, too much of a townie) and 2. you don't only have to eat a freezer full of cow!:yes

Oh, I know some other forumites who are about to do the same thing! It's appealing but I can just about fit the chickens and dog in to our daily routine at the moment!! Keep us posted on it!!
How much land do you need to graze x amount of cows btw - I've got a paddock free but I'm pretty sure a cow would graze it in no time - 2 sheep clip it in about 1 week!!

Oh, does anyone elses New World have free fresh coffee on tap for shoppers? The one in Rangiora does - bliss on a cold day!

Oh, and PaknSave - did anyone there, on their first trip in, get weird looks as you tried to pack your bags at the till!!?? :o And why do they insist on hooking your yoghurts on the side of the trolley?

[willsken]

Oh, I know some other forumites who are about to do the same thing! It's appealing but I can just about fit the chickens and dog in to our daily routine at the moment!! Keep us posted on it!!
How much land do you need to graze x amount of cows btw - I've got a paddock free but I'm pretty sure a cow would graze it in no time - 2 sheep clip it in about 1 week!!


1 cow per acre or 6 sheep. So I've been told.:yes

[Moorf]

Drat - somehow I don't think I can grow cows with... just one beast... :roll

[nippa&pippa]

Oh, I know some other forumites who are about to do the same thing!

one of them would be me, helen??!
btw my OH have just finished course on calf rearing if you want any informations off him about having calf in your paddock!:laugh

[Moorf]

That'd be you, Sophia :) - when can i put an order in? :laugh

[nippa&pippa]

That'd be you, Sophia :) - when can i put an order in? :laugh

Ask my OH about looking after your cow for you next time you see him ;)

[GeordieLass]

Rangiora New World has free coffee? I've been in there loads and never noticed that! I popped into the new New World at Bishopdale the other day. They have the self service scanners like they have in M&S back in London. The lady in front of me was blown away by them!

[Moorf]

GeordieLass - you'll find the little coffee perculator, with cups and sugar and milk, right near to the "cheese island" in front of the deli :nice1

[Familyofmonkeys]

Just reminds me one of the reasons we came here...

They only supermarket I have some across with freee drinks (any only water for that matter) was in the Largest Tesco in Europe at Weston Favell in Northampton. They stopped doing it because people kept stealing all the plastic cups!!

Not exactly related, but I have yet to come across a public loo here that has run out of toilet roll....

[simona]

I know that topic is about the food, but I really want to know how are the cost for the clothes? I am coming for the first time in NZ form Europe and I don't know for how long. I will be travelling around and I would like to work too. But the question is - what are the cost for clothes. Because I want to take with me not so many clothes, I want to buy it there.

Thanks for advice.
Simona

[Caroline and Dave]

I know that topic is about the food, but I really want to know how are the cost for the clothes? I am coming for the first time in NZ form Europe and I don't know for how long. I will be travelling around and I would like to work too. But the question is - what are the cost for clothes. Because I want to take with me not so many clothes, I want to buy it there.

Thanks for advice.
Simona


Hi Simona and welcome to the forum.

It might be an idea for you to start a new thread asking this as not everyone looks at certain threads and those who might be clothes experts may well not look here. Does that make sense. Anyway try looking here but keep reading and don't let the first post discourage you.
http://www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=8725&highlight=clothes+shopping
Regards

Dave and Caroline

[wiki]

Back to growing your own cow - I grew up on a 10-acre block and Dad used to start four calves off on milk bucket feeds twice a day until they were old enough to go onto pasture.

When they'd put on enough weight us and the neighbours would drive them the a couple of miles down the road to the abbatoir (with us kids on our bikes riding a head to block driveways and roads. It was great fun!

It did help that my dad was a butcher, so everything got processed in-house. And I guess because it was a way of life for us it never occurred to me to worry about eating our cows or even the pet lambs when they'd grown up... each to their own!

I'd love to get a block of land in NZ eventually and have a couple of calves and chickens on the go... just stay away from pigs unless you know someone with a restaurant or takeaway that you can get scraps off. Pigs eat far too much to be pratical on small holdings.

[ruthyroo]

Since we started budgeting properly and shopping to a list, we have found that the cost difference between PaknSave and New World is pretty negligible. NW has a wider choice and lots more 'nice stuff' so I think we used to pick up a lot more expensive odds and ends there than in PnS, so it seemed to be more expensive. But when you shop to a list (and our list tends to incude items that you just won't get in PnS) the price isn't much different. And frankly, like Moorf, I would pay not to have to go to PnS!

I haven't found any equivalent of UK supermarkets here. I guess Woolworth and NW feel a bit more like them, probably because they have a wider range of stock. I am prepared for culture shock when I get back to the UK and walk into a Tescos for the first time!

[akp713]

Since I lived in Auckland CBD I did all my shopping at the Foodtown on Quay St. It was a short walk from my flat and had excellent produce and a wide range of products, though I was disappointed to see Lactaid milk is sold only in a box in NZ whereas in the US Lactaid milk has a whole section in the dairy case. Otherwise I was impressed.

Then came the strike. It lasted several weeks in September of 2006 and it was a nightmare for me. Being a student at uni had no car and suddenly Foodtown was out of everything, there wasn't even any pasta of any kind for 2 weeks! I had to pay $8 round trip to take the bus to the nearest Pak n' save in Mt. Albert, then carry all the grceries I could lift and bring them back downtown. This and the onecard it took 8 weeks to get soured me a bit on Foodtown, but c'est la vie. I forgave Foodtown because it was open 24 hours, an important detail for a uni student up all night working on a paper.

Oh, and my absolute favorite NZ product was the chocolate chip cookie mix sold at Foodtown, there was only one brand. Nothing here in the states can compare, I literally baked those cookies twice a week when I had o stay up doing research or writing. Does anyone know the brand name? They seemed to be the only brand and they made lots of mixes.