New Zealanders remain overwhelmingly focused on the rising cost of living, healthcare pressures and economic uncertainty as the country heads toward the 2026 General Election, according to the latest Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor.
The nationwide survey found inflation and cost-of-living pressures continue to rank as the single biggest issue facing Aotearoa, with 59 percent of respondents identifying it as one of the country’s top concerns. Healthcare and hospitals ranked second at 38 percent, followed by the economy at 33 percent. Housing and crime rounded out the top five concerns.
The findings paint a picture of an electorate still deeply anxious about household finances, public services and economic stability despite signs inflation pressures may be easing. Ipsos says cost-of-living concerns have now dominated public sentiment since late 2021.
The survey comes as political parties prepare for a highly contested election year where economic management is expected to dominate campaigning. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has already framed the upcoming election around economic stability, government spending and growth.
Healthcare concerns remain especially high among older New Zealanders, with more than half of respondents aged over 65 identifying hospitals and health services as their primary issue. Meanwhile, younger New Zealanders are increasingly worried about housing affordability and unemployment.
The report suggests pressure continues building across multiple parts of society as many households struggle with mortgage costs, rent increases, food prices and stagnant wage growth.
For Māori communities, many of the issues highlighted in the survey are being felt disproportionately due to longstanding inequities in housing, income, health and employment outcomes.
Māori remain overrepresented in lower-income households, overcrowded housing statistics and avoidable health conditions, meaning cost-of-living pressures are often amplified for whānau already facing systemic disadvantage.
Housing affordability continues emerging as a major concern, particularly among younger people aged 18 to 34, where 34 percent identified housing costs as a top issue.
At the same time, concern around unemployment remains significantly higher among younger New Zealanders than the national average, reflecting uncertainty around job security and future opportunities.
The Ipsos monitor also measured public confidence in political parties’ ability to manage major issues.
Labour continues to hold stronger public perception on several key issues including cost of living, healthcare and housing, although National has narrowed the gap considerably compared with previous surveys.
On economic management specifically, National and Labour are now viewed as equally capable by respondents, both sitting at 32 percent.
National continues to lead on crime and law and order, while Labour maintains advantages in broader social and economic concerns.
The Government’s overall performance rating has also improved slightly since late 2025, lifting from a record low average score of 3.9 out of 10 to 4.2 out of 10.
Despite the improvement, analysts say the results underline how fragile public confidence remains as economic pressures continue affecting daily life.
The survey also highlighted rising concern around petrol prices and fuel costs, which have re-entered the national top ten issues list amid ongoing global economic instability and energy market uncertainty.
Political commentators say the findings point toward another election heavily shaped by economic anxiety, similar to the 2023 campaign, but with additional tension around healthcare capacity, housing shortages and social inequality.
For Māori voters, the political landscape is also increasingly shaped by debates around Te Tiriti o Waitangi, public sector reforms, Māori rights and equity policies, all unfolding alongside economic concerns.
As parties prepare policy announcements leading into the election campaign, the Ipsos monitor suggests voters are likely to judge political promises primarily through the lens of affordability, stability and whether living conditions are genuinely improving for ordinary whānau.
With the election now officially scheduled for November 2026, the pressure is mounting on all parties to convince New Zealanders they can deliver both economic recovery and long-term social resilience.
#Ipsos #CostOfLiving #NZPolitics #Election2026 #Healthcare #HousingCrisis #Economy #Aotearoa #Māori #RadioWaatea #WhānauOra #Inflation
