April 04, 2026

#economy: OVERWHELMING PESSIMISM: WAATEA AUDIENCE DOUBTS ECONOMIC TURNAROUND

Matthew Tukaki Posted On April 4, 2026

A strong majority of Waatea listeners and followers say they do not expect the economy to improve this year, with engagement on the latest Question of the Day revealing widespread concern about financial pressures across Aotearoa.

More than 50,000 people interacted with the question across Waatea’s platforms, with participation largely driven by wāhine and those aged between 35 and over 64, representing communities nationwide.

The results show a clear sentiment, with around 92 percent of respondents indicating they do not believe economic conditions will get better in the coming months.

Feedback from the audience reflects deep scepticism about who stands to benefit from any economic recovery, with some expressing the view that gains are more likely to favour political leaders and their networks rather than everyday whānau, particularly Māori communities.

Others pointed to uncertainty and instability, suggesting the current period feels unpredictable, with little confidence in short-term improvement and some believing any meaningful recovery may still be years away.

A number of responses shifted the focus from headline economic indicators to lived experience, questioning whether people actually feel better off in their day-to-day lives, particularly in their household finances.

There was also a strong sense that without significant policy changes or unexpected developments, many do not expect relief before the next election cycle.

The level of engagement highlights the strength of feeling around the issue, with hundreds taking the time to share their perspectives and experiences.

The results paint a picture of cautious, and in many cases deeply pessimistic, public sentiment as households continue to navigate cost-of-living pressures and economic uncertainty.