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New Zealand International Airfares Rise in August

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International airfares in New Zealand rose 4.3% in August compared with the previous month, according to a Stats NZ selected price indexes report on Friday.

"The monthly rise in international airfares was driven primarily by higher fares to Europe and Asia," said prices and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden.

Food prices rose 0.3% in August compared with the previous month, driven by a 1.7% increase in meat, poultry and fish prices, while non-alcoholic beverage prices fell 1.4%.

Petrol and diesel prices both increased in August compared with July, rising by 2% and 8.6%, respectively.

Food prices increased by 1.9% on an annual basis in August, compared with a 1.9% increase in the 12 months to July, driven by a 3.2% rise in restaurant meals and ready-to-eat food prices and a 1.7% increase in grocery food prices, while fruit and vegetable prices fell 1.6%.

Petrol and diesel prices both increased over the 12 months to August, rising by nearly 18% and 46%, respectively.

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