Prices in New Zealand and China

May 10, 2026, 16:00
AsiaFinance

Introduction

This report looks at prices in New Zealand and China. It shows how costs change for people.

Main Body

In New Zealand, the government tracks the cost of 598 things. Houses, food, and cars cost more now. Poor people pay more for food and power. Rich people do not have this problem. In China, prices for factories are starting to go up. This happened because oil and metal cost more. New technology also helps prices rise. But some parts of China's economy are weak. Factories are growing, but other businesses are not. People in China do not spend much money yet.

Conclusion

Oil and materials make prices go up in both countries. New Zealand and China want to keep prices stable.

Learning

⚡ The 'More' Pattern

In this text, we see a simple way to say things are increasing. You don't need complex words. Just use Cost + More.

  • Houses cost more.
  • Food costs more.
  • Oil costs more.

How to use it: [Thing] →\rightarrow [cost/costs] →\rightarrow [more]

🧱 Simple Opposites

Look at how the article describes people. This is a perfect A2 pattern for describing groups:

extPoorpeople↔Rich people ext{Poor people} \leftrightarrow \text{Rich people}

Quick Tip: When talking about money, use these two words to show the difference between 'low' and 'high'.

🌍 Linking Two Places

To compare two countries, the text uses: "In [Country]..."

  • "In New Zealand, the government..."
  • "In China, prices..."

If you want to talk about your city or country, start your sentence exactly like this: "In Tokyo, the food is expensive."

Vocabulary Learning

prices (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy something
Example:The prices of groceries have gone up this year.
cost (n.)
the amount of money needed to buy or make something
Example:The cost of the new car is high.
government (n.)
the group of people who run a country
Example:The government announced a new tax plan.
houses (n.)
buildings where people live
Example:Many people are looking for affordable houses.
food (n.)
what people eat
Example:She bought fresh food at the market.
cars (n.)
vehicles that run on roads
Example:He drives a blue car.
poor (adj.)
having little money or resources
Example:The poor families need help.
rich (adj.)
having a lot of money or wealth
Example:The rich people donate to charity.
factories (n.)
places where goods are made
Example:Factories produce many products.
oil (n.)
a liquid used for fuel and many products
Example:Oil prices affect the economy.
metal (n.)
a strong, hard substance
Example:Metal is used to build bridges.
technology (n.)
the use of science to make tools and machines
Example:Technology helps us communicate.
economy (n.)
the system of buying and selling in a country
Example:The economy is growing.
businesses (n.)
companies that sell goods or services
Example:Many businesses closed during the pandemic.
money (n.)
paper or coins used to buy things
Example:I need more money to buy a gift.
stable (adj.)
not changing much
Example:The prices are stable this month.
track (v.)
to follow or record something
Example:The government tracks inflation.
pay (v.)
to give money for something
Example:She pays the bill at the restaurant.
grow (v.)
to become larger or increase
Example:The factories grow every year.
spend (v.)
to use money to buy things
Example:He spends money on books.
want (v.)
to desire something
Example:I want a new phone.
keep (v.)
to maintain or continue
Example:We want to keep the prices low.
go (v.)
to move from one place to another
Example:The prices go up when demand rises.
change (v.)
to become different
Example:The cost will change next month.
rise (v.)
to go up in level or amount
Example:Oil prices rise during winter.