WELLINGTON, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- New Zealanders are spending more online to rent a taxi, or a house for a night, and less on in-car satellite navigation and DVDs, the country's statistics department Stats NZ said on Friday.
As a result of these changes in technology, the Consumers Price Index (CPI) basket of goods and services used to measure inflation is changing after a three-yearly review.
"More people are going online to buy shared ride services, such as Uber, and shared accommodation services, like home-rental operators Airbnb and BookaBach," prices senior manager Jason Attewell said in a statement, adding, "We're introducing the sharing economy to the CPI to keep it relevant for New Zealand."
"People are changing what they buy to keep up with changes in technology, and as a result, we're removing several items from the CPI basket. These items are still available to buy, but New Zealanders just don't spend as much on them," Attewell said, adding that in-car satellite navigation systems, DVDs and Blu-ray discs have been removed from the basket.
Meanwhile, increased spending was seen on technology accessories like headsets and cellphone cases, which were added to the CPI basket as part of the latest review, he said, adding the CPI basket is a reflection of New Zealand society and how it has changed over time.
Housing and food remain the most important items in the basket, accounting for almost half of people's spending, Stats NZ said, adding that housing includes rent, new builds, and other house improvements.
Attewell said that New Zealand used to be called "a country of rugby, racing, and beer," but spending patterns are changing and Kiwis are increasingly keen on craft beer, body massages at beauty spas, and football club memberships.
At the same time, sewing machines are out of the inflation basket, but clothing alterations are now in, he said, adding, "People don't have as much time to do things themselves, and are prepared to pay others to do jobs for them."
