Economic anxieties among average New Zealanders are well-founded, with reports in 2025 showing continued pressure on household finances, concerns about job security, and an uneven economic recovery. While the Reserve Bank has been cutting interest rates, and inflation is projected to ease, the financial squeeze is far from over, especially for those on lower incomes.
Here's a breakdown of the current financial landscape for the "man in the street" in New Zealand.
Cost of living is still high, particularly for vulnerable households
Inflation is slowing but uneven: While the average annual household cost increase was 2.4% for the year to September 2025, essential expenses are rising faster. Low-income households and beneficiaries have faced higher cost increases than wealthier households.
Key price pressures: Notable increases are in electricity (up 11.3%) and council rates (up 8.8%). Rent also increased by 2.6%, disproportionately affecting beneficiaries for whom rent accounts for a larger share of expenditure.
Persistent financial stress: A 2025 Ipsos report found that one in four New Zealanders are still finding it difficult to manage financially. This is a 6-point increase since monitoring began in 2022.
The job market is weakening, creating insecurity
Unemployment rising: New Zealand's unemployment rate rose to 5.2% in the June 2025 quarter. Most indicators show there is spare capacity in the labour market.
Increased job insecurity: Nearly half (47%) of New Zealanders are worried about their job security. Among those concerned, 83% are spending less, a trend that dampens consumer confidence and economic growth. The Mood of the Workforce 2025 report from the NZCTU revealed widespread job insecurity and burnout, with many employees feeling undervalued and underpaid relative to rising costs.
Housing affordability remains a serious challenge
House prices flatlining: The Reserve Bank of New Zealand reported flat house prices in August 2025, though this was after a period of declines. While residential investment is weak, lower interest rates and modest price increases are projected to support the sector later.
Continuing affordability crisis: Concerns remain about unaffordability and inequities in the housing market, driven by investor activity and policy issues. Many report struggling with high rents and being unable to save for a deposit.
Mortgage rates near their floor: Following multiple Official Cash Rate (OCR) cuts, mortgage rates are near their lowest point. However, economists predict they will plateau in 2026 and potentially begin to increase after that.
Overall economic picture and government response
Targeted support in Budget 2025: The government's Budget 2025 includes measures to ease the cost of living for specific groups, such as low- and middle-income families and SuperGold cardholders. It also extended prescription lengths and covered teacher registration fees.
Growth initiatives: The Budget also introduced an "Investment Boost" to spur productivity by allowing businesses to immediately deduct 20% of the cost of new equipment.
Long-term concerns remain: Despite these measures, economists like Christopher Walsh from MoneyHub suggest many New Zealanders are living in a financially precarious situation. Issues like high consumer debt and austerity in government spending point toward a system that still disproportionately favours the wealthy. The ANZ Financial Wellbeing Indicator for early 2025 showed a five-year low in how Kiwis feel about their finances.
A need for a pragmatic approach to personal finance
Given the current climate, a cynical and fatigued perspective on financial information is understandable. However, independent financial advice and proactive money management can still make a meaningful difference.
For the average New Zealander, worry is a reasonable response to the ongoing financial pressures. The key is to manage what is within your control, be realistic about the challenges ahead, and stay informed through reliable sources.
Here's a note to all those who think gay people, trans or whatever don't have rights and should be excluded, locked away, scorned or whatever - We, like all other people know that you detractors all have your own dirty little secrets, just like the Kiwi cop and his kiddie and beastiality porn - and like that it his business, so are our identities and who we fuck are ours! So, eat shit if you can't handle the fact that people are people and you are an asshole! If you don't like this tidbit, too bad, don't read TNZO!
Have you saved enough dosh for your retirement? Probably not. I have worked it out to needing another $500 after tax per week, $33,000 more net in New Zealand to enjoy some extra luxuries and trips etc. If you think you can live in the pathetic pittance of NZ Superannuation alone, think again. You will need to have saved $600,000 plus to last you the 20 years to your 80s in New Zealand. Good luck with that.
Who the fuck voted for these NACT dumbasses? They are currently in the throes of screwing up New Zealand's GE Free reputaion with vigour - Remeber this next year at the National Elections. Read article here
Another well known older man in New Zealand has been charged with sex abuse from 30+ years ago as an indecent assault against one dude over 16. Think of it! What kind of man accuses another man of touching his cock or ass, or sucking his dick or whatever? This is some fucked up non manly shit! We here at TNZO see so many of these bullshit claims across our desks we have banned them from our news feeds at the request of or readers who do not wish to be polluted by this media and cop generated filth - that is what it is - filth
So the Israeli genocide of innocent Palestinian civilians is over for now. It is likely only for now as Israel always seems to revert to type. If the war truly is over and all hostages returned then there is no reason for Israeli genocidists to continue occupying Palestine and murdering its residents, almost all women and children, in their own land! Stopping the fighting in Palestine seems down to Trump - even the most ardent Trump haters must admit that without him this would be ongoing - this leaves the big question now. What happens to Netanyahu since he has in effect lost the war!
Here's a note to all those who think gay people, trans or whatever don't have rights and should be excluded, locked away, scorned or whatever - We, like all other people know that you detractors all have your own dirty little secrets, just like the Kiwi cop and his kiddie and beastiality porn - and like that it his business, so are our identities and who we fuck are ours! So, eat shit if you can't handle the fact that people are people and you are an asshole! If you don't like this tidbit, too bad, don't read TNZO!
Have you saved enough dosh for your retirement? Probably not. I have worked it out to needing another $500 after tax per week, $33,000 more net in New Zealand to enjoy some extra luxuries and trips etc. If you think you can live in the pathetic pittance of NZ Superannuation alone, think again. You will need to have saved $600,000 plus to last you the 20 years to your 80s in New Zealand. Good luck with that.
Another well known older man in New Zealand has been charged with sex abuse from 30+ years ago as an indecent assault against one dude over 16. Think of it! What kind of man accuses another man of touching his cock or ass, or sucking his dick or whatever? This is some fucked up non manly shit! We here at TNZO see so many of these bullshit claims across our desks we have banned them from our news feeds at the request of or readers who do not wish to be polluted by this media and cop generated filth - that is what it is - filth
So the Israeli genocide of innocent Palestinian civilians is over for now. It is likely only for now as Israel always seems to revert to type. If the war truly is over and all hostages returned then there is no reason for Israeli genocidists to continue occupying Palestine and murdering its residents, almost all women and children, in their own land!