March 29, 2026

#economy: Rising costs, rising concern: whānau feel pressure as economic worries grow

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 29, 2026

Changing attitudes among Māori are emerging as the cost of living crisis deepens, with growing concern about job security, fuel prices and the wider direction of the economy.

A snapshot of responses from Radio Waatea’s #questionoftheday series shows a noticeable shift in sentiment, with many whānau expressing anxiety about their financial future as everyday costs continue to climb.

Petrol prices are a major pressure point, particularly in the regions where reliance on vehicles is high and alternatives such as public transport are limited. For many households, rising fuel costs are cutting into already stretched budgets, affecting the ability to get to work, take children to school and access essential services.

Those concerns are being compounded by fears around job losses, with respondents pointing to recent developments in Hawke’s Bay, including layoffs linked to major employers such as Wattie’s and McCain. The situation is being closely watched by Māori communities, where regional employment plays a critical role in supporting whānau and local economies.

Across multiple responses, both Māori and non-Māori audiences are consistently raising concerns about the direction of the economy, with a common view that tougher times may lie ahead.

Many are questioning whether there is a clear plan to navigate the challenges, with uncertainty around inflation, employment and business stability contributing to a sense of unease.

For Māori, the impact is often more pronounced, particularly in regions where incomes are lower and costs such as transport and housing take up a larger share of household budgets.

There is also growing awareness of how economic pressures ripple through communities, affecting not just individual households but wider whānau networks that often share resources and responsibilities.

While some respondents remain hopeful that conditions will stabilise, the overall tone reflects increasing caution, with many tightening spending and preparing for potential hardship.

The feedback highlights a broader shift in mood, as economic pressures move from abstract concerns to real, day-to-day challenges for whānau across Aotearoa.