New Zealand Voters Prioritize Economic Concerns and Social Issues

New Zealand's upcoming general election has sparked debate over which issues will resonate most with voters. But Gallup's 2025 World Poll offers a unique perspective, asking people directly what they consider the country's most important problem.

The survey of 1,000 New Zealanders found that nearly three in ten respondents (29.4%) identified economic concerns as their top priority, citing living standards, high prices, or low wages. Social issues came second at 19.9%, far surpassing other categories such as healthcare, food and housing, politics, and the environment.

Australia's results diverged sharply from New Zealand's, with 28.7% of respondents naming food and shelter as their top concern, followed closely by the economy (21.8%). In contrast to New Zealand's high social issues figure (19.9%), Australia's was significantly lower at 6.2%.

The global results paint a broader picture, with the economy being the most frequently cited problem across all regions, accounting for 28.5% of responses. Work, law and order, politics and government, food and shelter, environment, social issues, and health were also prominent concerns.