Most voters doubt that rising costs will ease even if their preferred government takes office, according to new Vote Compass findings. Only 35 percent of respondents believe financial pressures are likely to improve under their chosen administration, while 33 percent consider relief unlikely.
Election sentiment and the cost of living
Among those intending to vote National, opinion is almost evenly divided; about 34 percent believe cost of living pressures are likely to ease, while about 38 percent consider that unlikely and 34 percent are neutral. Younger voters show higher optimism, with 44 percent of those aged 18–29 believing pressures will ease under their preferred government, a sentiment that drops to 34 percent among people in their 30s, 31 percent among people in their 40s, and 32 percent among both the 50–64 and 65-plus groups.
Meanwhile, 41 percent of respondents overall consider relief unlikely, 30 percent are neutral, and 12 percent don’t know. This uncertainty persists as voters weigh which party – or combination of parties – they believe is most capable of improving their lives.
Ipsos Issues Monitor results
Economic concerns dominate politics. Inflation and the cost of living remain the country’s leading concern at 64 percent, a level that has increased gradually since February 2025.
| Issue | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Inflation/cost of living | 64% |
| Healthcare/hospitals | 45% |
| Petrol prices/fuel | 31% |
| The economy | 30% |
| Unemployment | N/A |
According to Ipsos New Zealand, petrol prices have surged into the top three concerns, rising 14 percentage points since the September survey. The survey, conducted between October 19 and 27, 2026, utilized online panels to poll 1,008 New Zealanders aged 18 or older. Carin Hercock, Country Manager for Ipsos New Zealand, noted that the data suggests voters are focused on daily household costs. She stated: Inflation and the cost of living remain the country's leading concern and continue to dominate the public agenda.
While fieldwork for this wave of the Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor coincided with prominent media coverage of politicians engaging with gangs, New Zealanders are sending a clear message about what matters most to them as they head to the polling booth.
Carin Hercock, Country Manager, Ipsos New Zealand
Labour leads top concerns as Luxon dismisses polls
Labour is perceived as the party most capable of managing all five of the top concerns for the third consecutive wave. Even on the issue of taxation, which National has made a core part of its campaign, Labour leads 32 percent to National’s 26 percent.
Christopher Luxon has dismissed the Ipsos results, telling Mike Hosking on the Leaders Breakfast that polls fluctuate and voters should look at the data. He emphasized that the economy is performing better under the National-led coalition than it was under Labour, citing growth in tourism, exports, and construction.
My job is to actually get under the hood, fix the fundamentals, make sure that they’re actually done right and sorted because actually, it’s not sexy stuff, it’s not popular stuff, it’s the stuff that actually does matter to make it work for the future.
Christopher Luxon
Luxon has spent recent days on a campaign road trip, urging voters to stick with the plan.
However, some voters report feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis directly. A Masterton mother of two told The Post that counting pennies has become a struggle, while other voters expressed nervousness about the election outcome. As the campaign continues, voters continue to evaluate which party can best address the rising costs that dominate the public agenda.
Earlier coverage: Inflation and Economic Concerns Drive Midterm Elections