More than two-thirds of New Zealanders say they feel a sense of grievance toward their country’s major institutions—a level of public discontent that now surpasses the global average. According to the Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer, 67% of New Zealanders express frustration and disillusionment with business, media, government, and NGOs—compared to a 61% average across 28 countries surveyed.
This figure reflects more than a fleeting dissatisfaction. It signals a broader erosion of public confidence that spans every corner of institutional life in New Zealand. “There’s a high degree of cynicism,” said Adelle Keely, CEO of Acumen Republic, in an interview with Newstalk ZB. “It’s a wake-up call for those in charge.”
Institutions No Longer Trusted
Historically, business has served as a rare point of trust for New Zealanders. In past editions of the Barometer, it was seen as both competent and ethical—especially in contrast to government and media. But 2024 marks a tipping point. For the first time, no institution in Aotearoa is trusted to “do what is right,” not even business.
A deepening belief that those in power are out of touch or failing to listen has fueled this collapse. Many feel overlooked and left behind amid rapid technological, economic, and political shifts. The Trust Barometer found that even in areas where business was previously strong—like managing innovation—public confidence has deteriorated. Not a single sector is trusted to safely integrate new technologies into society.
The sense of disconnect runs deep. Over half of New Zealanders surveyed (59%) believe their government lacks the competence to regulate emerging technologies. Businesses, while still viewed as more capable, are no longer exempt from scrutiny.
Innovation Without Trust
The findings come at a crucial time for New Zealand, which faces significant challenges around productivity, inclusive growth, and global competitiveness. Innovation is widely seen as the path forward, yet the public is increasingly wary. Resistance is particularly high toward newer technologies like AI and GMO foods, with respondents nearly twice as likely to say innovation is poorly managed than well-managed.
Distrust is also political. The survey found that right-leaning respondents in New Zealand were significantly more likely to reject innovation than those on the left, revealing ideological divides that could hinder consensus on key policy decisions.
Respondents expressed a desire for better communication, more transparency, and greater responsiveness. The Barometer found that 84% of New Zealanders would be more trusting of innovation if businesses and governments simply listened to their concerns, explained the risks as well as the benefits, and kept new technologies affordable and safe.
A Warning, Not a Blip
If there is a message from the 2024 Trust Barometer, it is that rebuilding trust is not simply a PR challenge—it is a societal imperative. Institutions must move beyond reassurance and toward meaningful engagement. Keely emphasised the need for leaders to “listen and communicate well,” warning that once trust is lost, it is notoriously difficult to win back.
New Zealanders aren’t just skeptical—they’re disheartened. And while the numbers are alarming, they are also instructive. For business, government, and civil society, the path forward is clear: act transparently, collaborate genuinely, and above all, take the public seriously.