10 things we hate to pay for

Photo / Herald on Sunday

As New Zealanders battle through the recession, some charges have gone from being a minor pain to full-blown annoying. Households are struggling, more people are losing jobs, and we're trying to avoid those everyday things that cost us that little bit extra.

Here's our list of the top-10 hidden costs and unavoidable price hikes.

1 ATM fees

It's a fee we often forget about, but every time you use an ATM from another bank you're usually charged $1 for the privilege. Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Kiwibank and National Bank all charge a $1 fee for using other banks, while ASB Bank will charge you 75 cents. Banks make about $2 billion in profit every year in New Zealand, and your banking fees help contribute to this.

Website www.consumer.org.nz has a handy bank fee calculator to help you keep on top of your cash, plus a few hints on how to avoid them completely.

2 Movie tickets and refreshments

Microwave popcorn costs as little as $2 at the supermarket, so why do we shell out more than $10 for popcorn, drinks and ice creams? A Skycity spokeswoman said cinema food was "significantly cheaper" than other entertainment venues, and cited the $5.50 kids' combo of a small popcorn, coke and movie-related merchandise.

3 Carparking

Every year the rates creep up and before you know it you're paying up to $15 an hour to park at an inner-city carpark.

Customers at the Wilson's carpark at Auckland's Carlaw Park discovered in May that their monthly rates had jumped from $56 to $236.

More drivers are choosing to park further away and walk or bus to their destination, or abandon their car during the week altogether.

4 BYO at restaurants

Bringing your favourite wine to a restaurant is a fantastic idea, but do we have to be charged a fee for a waiter or waitress to unscrew the lid or pop the cork? The average Thai or Chinese restaurant charges between $3 and $5 for corkage, slightly more upmarket places could cost you $8, but taking wine to Antoine's Restaurant in Parnell will set you back a whopping $20.

"We have a wine list of around 500 wines so people don't need to bring their own," said manager Tony Astle.

5 Bottled water

"It's more expensive than petrol," said Claire Smith. "Especially if you're at a restaurant and you ask for water, and they bring bottled instead of tap." A bottle of Coca-Cola costs about $2.50 at the supermarket; the bottle of Pump water costs about $2.30.

And it's not just the normal water splitting our wallets. Flavoured, sporty and "health-enhancing" waters, being sold as "snack alternatives", as a way to "focus" or for "endurance" - are jacking up the price to $3.69.

Consumer New Zealand warns water-drinkers to read the labels and be wary of what "healthy drinks" may contain - and cost.

6 Holiday surcharges

The meals are usually the same on a public holiday, so why are restaurant prices so much higher on Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, New Year's Eve and the rest?

Some of it is to do with demand - people want to celebrate on a holiday and restaurants can increase the prices without putting people off. The law is another reason. Restaurants began imposing surcharges on statutory holidays in 2004, after changes to the Holidays Act entitled workers to time-and-a-half and a day in lieu on those days.

Basically, the cost increases by about 15 per cent so restaurants can afford to pay their staff to work those days.

"It doesn't change the fact it's annoying," said student Sara Blair, 22. "Why does French toast cost 15 per cent more? You're better off making it yourself at home."

7 Online ticketing

Buying an event ticket online is supposed to be a stress-free, comfortable way to gain access to an event. But is spending an extra $8 for a delivery fee or $5 for a "service fee" - even when you print your ticket at home - really worth it?

A Consumer New Zealand spokeswoman said the fees might be annoying, but "unfortunately" were not avoidable.

8 Expensive dental fees

As the recession bites, many people are putting off going to the dentist to save money. With costs fluctuating between clinics it's hard to know how and where to get the best deal.

New Zealand Dental Association president Mark Goodhew said people who put off a visit in a bid to save money will only end up costing themselves more in the long run.

9 Wedding surcharges

Shop around for your wedding venue, photographer and cake, because you could be shocked by the price hikes. A Herald on Sunday survey of all things wedding last year showed cake prices could jump from $275 to $390, photography rates increased from $450 to $1200, and venue prices hiked from $6120 to $15,000 when the "W" word was mentioned.

10 Commodity price rises

Just about every time you head to the supermarket or petrol station, you're faced with a higher price. According to Statistics New Zealand, food prices increased 2.8 per cent in June - the largest monthly increase since a 3.8 per cent increase in July 1989, when GST was increased from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent.

Electricity rates rose by 60 cents between February last year and June this year while petrol prices reached a peak of $2.11 a litre in June last year. And from October 1, we will be forced to pay an additional 3c petrol tax when we fill up.

What overpriced things do you hate paying for?
Emailrebecca.lewis@hos.co.nz