Released 13 November 2024
Contents: Emotions | Outlook | Direction | Wellbeing | Finances | Cost of living |NZ Barometer
Emotions
Motivation surges as summer comes into sight
With the end of the year approaching, New Zealanders are feeling more motivated. October saw a significant increase in the proportion of New Zealanders feeling motivated (+12 pp), while the rest of the emotions remained relatively stable. Optimism and motivation lead the way in October, and New Zealanders may be heading into the end of the year with a positive outlook.
- Motivated: ranked first place in October and has seen a notable increase of 12pp since September.
- Optimistic: has continued to increase since July.
- Stressed: has also continued to increase since July.
- Hopeful: remained stable this month.
- Anxious: increased slightly.
- Frustrated: remained stable.
Breakdown by gender
Over the past couple of months, men have been feeling more anxious and stressed, with both emotions rising since August (+16pp and + 14pp respectively). Positively though, motivation emerged as the top-ranked emotion among men in October (54%), albeit down on last month.
In contrast, women have been feeling increasingly optimistic, with a clear positive trend across the year and a new high of 50% in October. October also showed a corresponding decline in both anxious and stressed, with stress dropping below men for the first time this year.
Breakdown by age
Younger New Zealanders (aged under 34 years) top emotions for October were stressed (65%) and anxious (63%) with both emotions showing a general upward trend. In contrast, older generations continue to feel more positive; optimism and hope ranked as their top two emotions in October.
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Top two emotions for younger generations (under 34 years)
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Top two emotions for older generations (65+ years)
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1.
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Stressed 65% (+2%)*
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Optimistic 60% (+16%)*
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2.
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Anxious 63% (+3%)*
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Hopeful 57% (+18%)*
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*Shift from September to October.
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Outlook
New Zealanders' 12-month outlooks remains neutral
October saw a further increase in the proportion of New Zealanders who believe things won’t change for them in the next 12 months, increasing +13pp since August and reaching a new high for the year. This sentiment was mainly driven by men and older generations aged 65 and over (63%).
In contrast to this growth, the proportion of New Zealanders who expect things to get worse has fallen to its lowest level since April, while those expecting things to get better has also fallen back.
Themes behind these outlooks
Taking a deeper look into the reasoning behind New Zealanders’ 12-month outlook, these were the top themes that emerged from those with a positive outlook:
1. An optimistic and hopeful mindset
The dominant theme is optimism and a hopeful outlook for the future. Many comments focus on the belief that things can improve with time, effort, or positive thinking. These New Zealanders are focused on staying positive despite challenges and believing that good things will come, whether in terms of finances, health, or family life.
- "Being optimistic"
- "I am hopeful"
- "Positive always"
- "Life can only get better if you make it"
- "Because I hope things do get better".
2. Career, job opportunities, and financial improvements
Many comments also focus on career changes, job opportunities, and financial improvements. Positively, some New Zealanders are looking forward to salary increases, promotions, new job opportunities, or side hustles that will improve their financial situation. Some mention that their business is growing while others express hope for more income or financial stability.
- "I’m hoping for a salary increase and a change in career"
- "New job"
- "Business is growing"
- "Good pay rises on the horizon"
- "More income from side hustle".
3. Family, relationships, and personal growth
Many New Zealanders are looking forward to spending time with loved ones, especially over the holidays or at family gatherings like Christmas. Others are working on personal development, health improvements, or building stronger family relationships. Some also mention welcoming new children or strengthening their family dynamics.
- "Xmas always brings our family together"
- "Having our first child"
- "Grandchildren getting older and more interesting... holiday in January and of course family get together at Xmas"
- "Working on family relationships".
Direction
Negative sentiment around NZ's direction strongest among younger generations and in the South Island
The proportion of New Zealanders who feel the country is heading in the wrong direction remains at or around 60%—as it has since June. This negative sentiment is particularly strong among younger generations, with 66% of those under 35 sharing this view, compared to 52% of those aged 65 and older. Regionally, the South Islanders also stand out, with 65% of them expressing this concern, compared to 58% in the North Island.
What's driving wrong direction sentiment?
The 60% of New Zealanders who feel the country is headed in the wrong direction continue to blame the current government and its leadership. Notable increases were seen in October regarding concerns over New Zealand's poor health and education systems with these issues rising by 6 and 5 percentage points, respectively. On a more positive note, there was a decline in the proportion of people attributing the country’s ‘wrong direction’ to the cost of living and the economy (-9pp).
What's driving right direction sentiment?
In contrast, the proportion of New Zealanders who feel the country is heading in the right direction continues to trend downwards. October saw 40% of New Zealanders believing the country is heading in the right direction, with sentiment driven by the current government. This feeling is particularly strong among those aged 65 and over, with 74% attributing their positive outlook to the government.
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Wellbeing
Wellbeing at work
The most common practices for supporting the wellbeing and work-life balance of full-time workers continue to be flexible working hours and the option to work from home. Interestingly, in October, there was a significant rise in the number of full-time workers who have the ability to work remotely (+13pp since September).
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Finances
Key expenditure cuts for New Zealanders
Here are the key spending categories New Zealanders consider essential and are unable to reduce, along with the top categories they would cut back on first for the month of October.
Unable to cut back/essential
- Rent – 90%
- Council rates – 89%
- Mortgage – 86%
- Vehicle insurance – 69%
- House and/or contents insurance – 69%
Would cut back on first
- Alcohol/tobacco/vapes – 72%
- Consumer electronics and appliances – 69%
- Entertainment, media and streaming - 69%
- Clothing and footwear – 68%
- Homeware and décor – 67%
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Cost of living and inflation
New Zealanders’ financial situation improves
Despite concerns around the direction of the country, October saw a positive shift in New Zealanders' financial situation. More New Zealanders are finding themselves able to save to achieve their future goals/wealth (+7pp since September). This shift is also mirrored by a decrease in the proportion of New Zealanders who have little or nothing to save, as well as those who are only saving for emergencies or a safety net (both dropping by 4 percentage points since September).
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NZ barometer
