Inflation/cost of living remains the top concern for Kiwis, with 59% naming it a major issue, new data from the Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor has revealed.
Healthcare (38%) is the second-biggest concern for Kiwis, down from its August 2025 peak of 44%. Meanwhile, the economy (33%) is gaining ground, maintaining its spot as the nation’s third-top issue.
Housing affordability concerns (38%) hold firm in fourth place. Crime and law & order (20%) stay steady, rounding out the top five concerns.
Meanwhile, the government’s performance rating has climbed sharply to 4.2 out of 10, up from its record low of 3.9 in October 2025.
“As we enter an election year, inflation, healthcare and the economy are the clear issues that New Zealanders will be assessing political parties against, and the battleground is firmly set, with a neck-and-neck race on capability of managing the economy,” Ipsos New Zealand Country Manager Carin Hercock said.
Labour is seen as the most—or equally—capable party on four of the top five issues: inflation/cost of living, healthcare, the economy, and housing.
National remains the top choice for managing crime/law & order (34% vs. Labour’s 27%) and ties Labour on the economy. It has also sharply closed the capability gap on inflation/cost of living and healthcare/hospitals.