Mind & Matters
Understanding the hearts and minds of Kiwis.
Released 20 August 2024
Emotions
Hope continues its downward trend
July saw yet another drop in the proportion of New Zealanders feeling ‘hopeful’ (6% drop since May). Slight decreases were seen in the rest of the emotions as well.
- Hope: has seen another decline in July (-4%).
- Optimism and motivation: both declined by 3%.
- Stress: has dropped (-4%) after an increase in June.
- Anxiety: has softened in July (-2%) after a significant increase in June.
- Frustration: positively, this emotion decreased by 7%, after being the second-most widely felt emotion in June.
Breakdown by gender
The table below highlights a clear contrast in emotional experiences between genders. Women’s top two emotions in July were negative (anxiety and stress), while men’s top three emotions were all positive (hope, optimism, and motivation).
|
|
Top three emotions for women |
Top three emotions for men |
|
1. |
Anxious 51% (vs 25% for men) |
Hopeful 43% (vs 47% for women) |
|
2. |
Stressed 49% (vs 33% for men) |
Optimistic 41% (vs 42% for women) |
|
3. |
Hopeful 47% (vs 43% for men) |
Motivated 35% (vs 39% for women) |
Breakdown by age
Younger generations were more likely to feel negative emotions, with stress, frustration, and anxiety being their top three emotions. Meanwhile, older generations were more likely to feel optimistic, hopeful, and motivated.
|
|
Top three emotions for younger generations (under 34 years) |
Top three emotions for older generations (65+ years) |
|
1. |
Stressed 46% |
Optimistic 47% |
|
2. |
Frustrated 46% |
Hopeful 45% |
|
3. |
Anxious 45% |
Motivated 41% |
Related content: The crisis in youth mental health: what can be done? | PHCC
Breakdown by household structure
When looking at New Zealanders’ emotions through a household structure lens, positive emotions were more common in childless households composed of single people, people flatting with friends and couples. Meanwhile, singles and couples who have children living at home are feeling the most negative.
|
|
Top three emotions for singles/flatting/couples with no children |
Top three emotions for singles/couples with children at home |
|
1. |
Hopeful 50% |
Stressed 51% |
|
2. |
Optimistic 47% |
Anxious 41% |
|
3. |
Stressed 41% |
Frustrated 39% |
Emotions on the day
When we asked New Zealanders how they felt on that day, the top emotions were neutral, content, and optimistic. Positively, negative emotions like sadness, fear, and anger were the least chosen emotions.
Outlook
New Zealanders’ 12-month outlook slightly improves
In July, an increase was seen in the proportion of New Zealanders who believe things will get better for them/their family in the next 12 months. After a downwards trend since April, positive outlooks have increased by 3%, and negative outlooks have softened (-1%).
People under 34 years old are more likely to have a positive outlook, with 50% of them feeling this way. In contrast, those aged 65 and older are more likely to think that things will stay the same, with 58% holding this view.
In terms of household structure, those who are single/couples flatting and living with no children have a more positive outlook (41%) that those who live with children at home (34%).
Comments behind New Zealanders’ 12-month outlook
|
Positive outlook |
Negative outlook |
|
“More work-life balance” |
“The cost of living is a joke” |
Direction
Perceptions of the country’s direction slightly improve
The proportion of New Zealanders who believe the country is headed in the wrong direction saw a small decrease in July (-2%) after having increased since April. With this was a corresponding 2% increase in the proportion who believe things are going in the right direction.
Men have remained more optimistic than women with 45% of men believing things are going in the right direction (vs 38% for women). Similarly, the North Island has remained more positive with 44% of them believing we’re headed in the right direction (vs 34% in the South Island).
Wellbeing
What New Zealanders are doing for their wellbeing
In July, 34% of New Zealanders mentioned they were ‘doing things to enhance their mental wellbeing’ and ‘spending time with people that matter most’ more often. Also, 30% said they were ‘exercising and being physically active’ more often. Interestingly, 32% of New Zealanders mentioned they were ‘listening/watching the news’ less often for their wellbeing.
Finances
New Zealanders still finding it hard to save
In July, 36% of New Zealanders said their income covers the essentials but they have little/nothing left over to save (+3% since June). This remains more prevalent in women (41% vs 30% for men), those aged 45-54 (43%), and for those single/couples who live with their children (42%).
Concern about meeting financial needs in the next five years is high
Thirty-nine percent of New Zealanders said they were quite/very concerned about being able to meet their financial needs in the next five years. This concern was more common in women (46% vs 32% for men), and among those singles/couples who have children at home (46% vs 38% for those who have no children). Since April, New Zealanders’ concern about meeting their financial needs over the next five years has grown by 6%. This shift highlights an increasing uncertainty about the future, showing that people are becoming more cautious and focused on ensuring their long-term financial stability.
Cost of living and inflation
Slight increase in the number of New Zealanders using savings and credit to buy
July saw a 3% increase in the proportion of New Zealanders who used savings/credit card to afford what they needed. However, ‘being conscious of spending’ and ‘cutting back on what you buy’ remained the most prevalent effects inflation is having on New Zealand households.
Women remained more likely to ‘cut back’ on what they buy (41% vs 33% for men) due to inflation. No major differences were seen between genders or household structures.
Common cost-saving habits among New Zealanders:
- 45% of New Zealanders compare fuel prices and shop around to get the best fuel price on the day, instead of refueling at the most convenient location (+4% since May).
- 47% of New Zealanders will pause or cancel subscription services if they find they’re not using them, rather than just keeping the subscriptions running (+2% since May).
- If there is a product/service they want, 43% of New Zealanders will save for it until they have enough money to buy it outright, rather than using after pay/alike services to get it immediately (+3% since May).
Together, these behaviours point to a more cautious and strategic approach to personal finances, likely driven by economic uncertainties and New Zealanders’ commitment to their financial stability.
Common experience trends among New Zealanders:
- 40% of New Zealanders have cut back on leisure travel this year, marking a 5% increase since May.
- 42% of New Zealanders said eating out is something they rarely or never do (up 6% since May), with only 4% going out to cafés/restaurants regularly.
- 49% of New Zealanders don’t worry about latest technology trends and new devices (+9% since May).
These trends suggest that New Zealanders may be increasingly cutting back on activities they enjoy, likely due to financial constraints.
