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March 04, 2026
#national: Polls Show Strong Appetite for Long-Term Politics and Taxing the Ultra-Wealthy
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 4, 2026
Two nationwide Talbot Mills polls have revealed strong public backing for long-term political thinking, economic reform, and higher taxes on the ultra-wealthy to fund public goods.
The surveys were commissioned by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa and conducted in late 2025 and early 2026. Together, they paint a picture of voters increasingly frustrated with short-term political cycles and growing inequality.
The first poll, carried out between 9 and 20 October 2025, asked New Zealanders about political leadership and future wellbeing.
It found:
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84% agree major political parties should work together on long-term solutions to challenges such as climate change, healthcare and poverty.
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78% agree there should be a national conversation about shared values and long-term goals to build cross-party consensus.
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78% agree the interests of future generations should be prioritised in present-day policy decisions.
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76% believe political decisions are too focused on short-term measures rather than sustainable 10- to 20-year solutions.
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75% say it is frustrating that major parties frequently change positions on important national issues.
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61% believe children born today will be financially worse off than their parents.
Across most questions, disagreement levels sat between just 3% and 9%, indicating broad cross-demographic sentiment.
A second poll, conducted between 11 and 26 February 2026, shifted focus to the structure of New Zealand’s economy.
It found:
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66% agree the economic system is not effectively addressing housing, healthcare and climate change.
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50% agree no one should be a billionaire while many struggle to afford basic necessities, while 24% disagree.
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68% support billionaires paying more tax to fund healthcare, housing and climate action.
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37% support introducing a legal wealth cap of $1 billion, while 34% oppose the idea.
The results suggest majority support for progressive taxation of extreme wealth, though opinion becomes more divided when it comes to capping personal wealth outright.
Gareth Hughes, Director of Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa, says the findings show growing public impatience with politics driven by election cycles rather than generational planning. He argues New Zealanders are calling for economic settings that reduce inequality and prioritise long-term wellbeing, including climate resilience, infrastructure, and social equity.
The polling comes as political parties begin positioning themselves ahead of the next general election, with cost-of-living pressures, housing affordability and public service funding expected to dominate debate.
For Māori communities – disproportionately affected by housing insecurity, health inequities and climate vulnerability – the conversation around long-term planning and wealth redistribution is likely to resonate strongly.
The full survey results, including methodology and sample size, have been released by the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa.
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