Cost of living dominates New Zealand voters' concerns ahead of election

In a pre-election feature called Voice of the People, reporters interviewed 74 Kiwis from urban and rural areas, spanning different ages, ethnicities and income levels. Every interviewee named the soaring cost of living as the dominant issue, with most describing it as a societal problem affecting neighbours, retirees and younger generations. Health system strain, rising unemployment and housing affordability were mentioned as close follow-ups.

Respondents expressed a range of voting intentions: some remain loyal to one outlet coalition, others are looking for a new direction, and several plan to split their electorate and party votes. The collection of personal stories underscores a widespread sense of economic anxiety as the country heads to the polls.