The first injection of the cost of living payment was made last week and with two more payments to go, it's clear the money was well spent for the Wellingtonians Newshub spoke to.
While there is no solid evidence yet on how Kiwis spent the payment, residents in the windy city have revealed what the extra $116.67 went towards.
Cameron is a full-time student and works part-time in a retail store. She said she used the money to buy pantry staples and a nice meal as a treat.
"Just some more essentials like cans, non-perishables like pasta and a nicer meal this week to splash out a bit."
She told Newshub the payment would have gone to rent but it's simply not enough.
When the next two payments come through Cameron would likely spend it on food again to offset the high cost of groceries.
For part-time caregiver and full-time student Tarryn, the payment came at the perfect time.
"I am moving out of my place, so it went straight into savings for my new place. It will go towards rent and stuff to furnish my new place."
Tarryn said she doesn't have a student allowance so the money and future payments are going to be a big help.
"If I hadn't received it I would have had to ask my parents for more help."
Massey University student Chris took a more generous approach treating himself to a "couple of burgers, kebabs and drinks for town".
For his mate Ollie, a film student at Massey University, he and his flat all pitched in for a big roast dinner.
"We got a big leg of ham for a roast."
Ollie told Newshub he looks forward to "turning the heating on for a bit longer" when the next two payments come through on September 1 and October 3.
For service desk analysis Rhiannon, she wasn't expecting the payment but told Newshub it was a huge help.
"I just put it straight away into my savings account."
She is aiming to do the same with the next payments as well.
"I hope I can put it into savings or maybe I'll buy myself something."
The cost of living payment works out at $350 in total and goes to Kiwis who earn $70,000 or less, aren't entitled to the Winter Energy Payment and meet several other criteria.
It's split into three monthly payments with the second and third payments being made on September 1 and October 3.
