Economic Security Tops Global Concerns, But Regional Differences Emerge
New Zealanders are preoccupied with economic and social issues ahead of their country's general election, according to a global survey by Gallup.
The 2025 World Poll asked people in various countries what they considered to be their most pressing concern, and in New Zealand the economy topped the list at nearly 30%, followed closely by social issues such as discrimination, racism, poverty, and inequality at just over 19%.
In Australia, a neighboring country with similar economic concerns, food and shelter, including housing availability and affordability, was the most frequently identified problem, at almost 29%.
The global results show that while economic concerns dominate, they vary depending on regional circumstances. In lower-income countries, work and basic necessities feature more prominently, while in higher-income countries, politics, law and order, the environment, social issues, and immigration become more prominent.