The pie charts compare household expenditure across five categories in New Zealand and the United Kingdom in 1980 and 2008.
Overall, the largest share of spending in New Zealand shifted from food and drink in 1980 to utility bills in 2008. In contrast, leisure consistently remained the most significant category in the UK during both years. Despite a modest increase, “other” items represented the smallest proportion of expenses in both countries throughout the period.
In 1980, food and drink accounted for the largest portion of household spending in New Zealand at 29%. However, by 2008, this figure had declined slightly to 25%, and was overtaken by utility bills, which rose from 27% to 31%, making them the most significant area of expenditure.
Meanwhile, in the UK, leisure consistently dominated household budgets, comprising 27% of spending in 1980 and rising markedly to 34% in 2008. Regarding the lowest spending category, “other” items made up just 9% of expenses in both countries in 1980. Although this category increased to 11% by 2008, it remained the least significant in both nations.