From the Editor: Finding the calm in the chaos

It seems 2026 is firmly plodding down the path set by 2025. Another day, and another price rise, whether it’s dairy products, fuel, or airline tickets.

In early March, supply pressure and buying interest saw dairy prices continue their climb, the fifth consecutive auction where prices have risen since the start of the year.

This week, the AA’s principal policy advisor told the Franklin Times that he’s never seen so much instability in the market.

“Before the conflict started, oil prices sat at about $72 per barrel. Last Friday (March 6), it went up to $93 per barrel. By Monday, it had nearly got to $120 per barrel and 48 hours later, on Wednesday, it was back down to $90. It’s anyone’s guess where prices will land. For every dollar it changes, it reflects at the pump.

“We’ve never seen volatility and uncertainty in the market – it is jumping up and down with every kind of action and inaction.

“Half the market is physical, and half of it is speculative. They are gambling on the price to go up and down daily. One of the problems is that in the Middle East, they have 30 per cent of global oil production but only 5 per cent storage.”

Also, this week Air New Zealand announced it has increased ticket prices after global jet fuel costs surged following the escalation of conflict in the Middle East.

In a market update released on March 10, the airline said there is currently no shortage of jet fuel in New Zealand. However, the sharp rise in global fuel prices is increasing operating costs.

As a result, Air New Zealand has introduced initial one-way fare increases of $10 for domestic flights, $20 for short-haul international flights, and $90 for long-haul travel.

To help improve your mental health in these tough times, the Mental Health Foundation recommends building connections within your community. Feeling connected to your community means you’re less likely to feel isolated and more likely to have a support system in place if you do go through hard times. It also helps you sustain good mental wellbeing; people who feel a strong sense of belonging in their community are three times more likely to report very good or excellent mental health.

You can do this by connecting with your neighbours, meeting new people, depending on existing connections (be proactive in your relationships), and connecting outside your comfort zone. You can learn more about boosting your mental health at www.mentalhealth.org.nz.