Young Kiwis Delay Life Decisions Over Financial Worries

Kiwis under 45 are more likely than their global peers to delay major life decisions due to financial constraints, according to a Deloitte survey. The 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that around 65% of people born in New Zealand between 1981 and 2012 have been affected in this way, compared to about 50% globally.

Lauren Foster, a human capital partner at Deloitte NZ, said the trend has been evident over the past three years, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. The top concern for both groups is the cost of living, affecting 56% of Gen Z and 46% of Millennials, with housing affordability impacting career decisions in 72% of Gen Z and 70% of Millennials.

Foster noted that New Zealand's economy has been heavily focused on housing for years, leading some young people to question whether it is achievable for them. The survey also found that Gen Z here seems to be behind their peers in Australia and the UK when it comes to artificial intelligence adoption.