We have travelled the country to learn how people are coping with the recession. Watch the video interviews, or send us your own videos and tips, at nzherald.co.nz/go/surviving09
and you can join in the conversation on Twitter at twitter.com/nzhrecession
In our call for tips on how to survive the recession, readers say they make sacrifices only to find other costs rise.
Wellsford's Nigel Nolan tells how he planted a small winter vegetable garden, cancelled his Sky TV subscription and purchased a small car that does 6.5L per 100kms. "But all this pales in comparison to the rates hikes I have to pay on my leased farmland in the last couple of years."
If you're still employed, Howick businessman Mike has some advice on who is likely to get laid off if a company retrenches.
HE said: "Although we are not putting off staff yet, if I had too I would be first looking for the slackers who arrive to work late, take too many 'breaks' and who are not the slightest bit interested in helping the company to grow.
"Take it from me, if you want to preserve your job, you need to work now to show your boss that your position is valuable to the business."
One retailer said their shop can't survive the recession and they would now move the business online only . "I could survive this if my greedy landlords hadn't raised the rent by 30 per cent about two years ago.
"It means Joe Customer is paying through the nose for stuff just to satisfy some landlord's preconceived idea of their Return on Investment. That's one reason why everyone is overcharged for stuff.
"So, if landlords were of a mind to reduce rents in line with the economic situation, more businesses would be able to ride out this storm."
A Whangarei reader suggests you need to think seriously about want versus need and purchase only what you need. "Shop around there as there are some good bargains to be found."
A 64-year-old Remuera reader has had the misfortune of being laid off three times in his life. He says surviving is simple - always have a budget and stick to it.
"Cut back on things that are non- essential (the number of people I see at work wasting many dollars a day on bought lunches and coffee astounds me); cook good meals at home using seasonal produce; forget holidays for the time being and start to enjoy the good things that we have in New Zealand in abundance - a relatively safe, and very beautiful country, good friends and family, and allow yourself a little treat every now and then."
He says the experience makes you stronger.
A number of readers wondered whether the economic situation was better in Australia and some ex-Kiwis urged New Zealanders to consider migrating.
Billy, who is now in Queensland, insists the way of life is better there. He said of NZ: "Recession or not, taxes are too high, bureaucracy is rampant, political correctness stifling and crime out of control.
"So the fact that groceries are now so unaffordable for many, is just the tip of the iceberg and only one of many good reasons to pack up and leave!"