The latest rise in inflation may be unexpected - but many will have felt its impact

Inflation's reached 3.1 percent - up from three-percent three months ago.

The Reserve Bank had been expecting it to be 2.7 percent by now, and to continue falling throughout the course of this year.

The Herald's Liam Dann says many of the price rises are for things we have to pay for.

He says anyone doing their weekly shop knows food prices haven't really eased off, and electricity and rates are still big drivers.