New Zealanders Prioritize Inflation and Healthcare Concerns

New Zealanders remain deeply concerned about inflation and the cost of living, according to the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor. The survey, which has been tracking public opinion since 2018, found that 62% of respondents identified inflation/cost of living as a top concern in July 2026.

This issue was followed closely by healthcare/hospitals (38%), and the economy (34%). Unemployment returned to New Zealanders' top five concerns, rising to 20%, and overtaking petrol prices. The survey also found that Labour is now perceived as the political party most capable of managing all five of these issues.

Younger New Zealanders (18-34) were more focused on economic pressures, with 31% concerned about unemployment, 30% about the economy, and 27% about housing/price of housing. For older New Zealanders (65+), healthcare outweighed cost of living concerns, with 57% ranking it as the issue of greatest importance.

The survey also highlighted a key difference between New Zealand and Australia, where Australians are focused on housing while New Zealanders are concerned about healthcare.