From the minimal representation of the Indian community at New Zealand’s national political level, to various pressing issues affecting New Zealanders, The Breakfast Show with Vijay and Pooja put up straight up questions to Labour Party leader, Chris Hipkins.

The debate centers on advice from Gurgaon-based CEO Jasveer Singh, who urges Indian parents to stop exhausting their life savings to build "family homes" for their children. Singh argues that this traditional investment is often a "wrong problem" to solve because modern children are increasingly mobile, moving to different cities or countries for careers that demand entirely different lifestyles. He suggests that these homes frequently become outdated or remain empty, and instead, parents should prioritize their own financial independence and retirement comfort. While some supporters agree that emotional sacrifices for real estate are becoming obsolete in a globalized world, critics maintain that a family home remains a vital financial safety net and a symbol of long-term security in the Indian context.

How much does it really cost to raise a family in New Zealand today? The Breakfast Show with Vijay and Pooja, opened the phones and asked listeners to share their lived experiences of managing household expenses as a family of four. From groceries, rent and mortgages to fuel, childcare, power bills and everyday sacrifices — this candid conversation reveals the pressure many families are under right now. Honest stories, real numbers, and voices from across the country paint a powerful picture of life in New Zealand during the cost-of-living crunch.