NZ food prices rise 0.2% in June as minimum wage increase pushes up takeaway costs

NZ food prices rise 0.2% in June as minimum wage increase pushes up takeaway costs
Tina Morrison
By Tina Morrison July 12 (BusinessDesk) - New Zealand food prices rose in June, led by higher costs for takeover foods and restaurant meals following an increase in the minimum wage. Statistics New Zealand said food prices rose 0.2 percent in June from a year earlier. Prices for restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food increased 3 percent, led by lunch meals, up 3.8 percent, along with a wide range of takeaway food options, the statistics agency said. “April’s 75 cent increase in the minimum wage, to $16.50 an hour, may have contributed...