Christmas is approaching and while it's supposed to be a time of celebration, for many families in Rotorua it's a struggle.
Those on a fixed, tight budget each week have told the Rotorua Daily Post that being able to afford the bare minimum is a challenge let alone stretching their finances for anything extra.
It's a reality Grant McNee of Western Heights is experiencing. He receives the sickness benefit, now known as the Jobseeker Support, which he and his wife use to support their two teenage children. They receive help from Working for Families but after their expenses, such as mortgage and power, they are usually left with a maximum of $100 for groceries. Mr McNee said this was the first year he was without work and was keen to find employment.
"We've just had to cut corners sometimes, instead of putting in $30 petrol a week just stick in $20. Sometimes I stop automatic payments just to boost up our grocery money. The ideal amount for the four of us would be $180 to $200 a week but quite often it's not there.
"We've definitely been through a bit as a family this year and it won't be a big flash Christmas, I think the children know that anyway and understand. As long as we're all together, that's the main thing."