Photo: RNZ / Samuel RillstoneLabour remains ahead on most of the key issues in the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor, but National has improved its ratings on the economy and the cost of living. The rating of the government's overall performance has also rebounded from its record low in the previous survey. While Labour overtook National on the economy in the previous survey, the parties are now neck and neck. The cost of living and inflation remains New Zealanders' number one concern, with 59% of people identifying it as a key issue, down from 61% in the previous survey. Healthcare is still the second most important issue, but decreasing again on previous surveys, with Labour on 37%.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 01, 2026 19:01 UTC