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Research – Cost of living dominates Kiwis’ concerns – but sustainability still shapes trust, choices and expectations of business

Source: Sustainable Business Council

The cost of living continues to emerge as New Zealanders’ top concern – yet sustainability continues to play a decisive role in how people judge businesses, according to new research released today.
The Better Futures 2026 report, now in its 17 th year and produced in partnership between the Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and global insights organisation Kantar, reveals that while climate and environmental issues are competing for attention in an increasingly crowded landscape of crises, expectations of business leadership on sustainability remain high, and unmet.
Nearly nine in ten New Zealanders (87%) say businesses should take responsibility for their environmental and social impacts. However, 69% believe businesses are still not doing enough, and 60% say the way companies talk about sustainability is confusing.
Jason Cate, Kantar’s Sustainable Transformation Practice Lead, says this year’s results reflect a moment of tension, rather than disengagement.
“New Zealanders are continuing to navigate acute pressures, cost of living crises, housing affordability, healthcare access, and social harm – all of which understandably dominate people’s immediate attention,” Mr Cate says.
“But that doesn’t mean sustainability has disappeared. As people’s understanding of sustainability matures, what we are seeing is a recalibration, with more scepticism, less patience for vague messaging, and a much stronger focus on whether businesses’ actions genuinely minimise harm and make a difference.”
The research shows environmental concerns remain prominent, with pollution of waterways, microplastics and extreme weather events among the top environmental issues. Extreme weather in particular has surged back up the public agenda following several devastating events over summer.
Despite sustainability receiving a smaller ‘share of voice’ in the media, the report finds it continues to influence consumer behaviour, driving both product adoption (74%) and rejection (53%), underlining its ongoing commercial relevance for businesses.
SBC’s Director of Programmes Jay Crangle says the results send a clear signal to business leaders.
“This report cuts through the noise and shows that sustainability still matters to New Zealanders and they’re looking for action.”
“People are less interested in what businesses say, and much more interested in what they do. Clear action, visible impact, and honest communication about progress, trade-offs and challenges are now critical for organisations.”
Generational differences add complexity
For the first time this year’s report explores generational trends in more depth. While social concerns vary sharply by age, the results reveal remarkable consistency across generations when it comes to environmental issues, including climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
However, younger New Zealanders – particularly Gen Z and Millennials – show lower overall commitment to sustainability when feelings and behaviours are combined, despite expressing strong concern. The insights reveal financial pressure, competing priorities and distrust in institutions are key barriers.
“Younger generations care deeply, but they are also stretched and sceptical,” says Mr Cate.
“They’re more likely to question whether individual effort is enough, and whether businesses and systems are doing their fair share.”
“These insights show that sustainability is becoming a more mature, but also more complex space. Businesses must choose their areas of impact wisely.”
The challenge – and opportunity – for business
The Better Futures 2026 report finds that boards and executives globally continue to see sustainability as strategically important, yet New Zealanders still rate many of the country’s largest businesses as average or underperforming on environmental and social action.
Ms Crangle says that gap represents a critical opportunity for business leaders.
“This isn’t about abandoning sustainability because of complex competing priorities,” she says.
“It’s about doubling down on credible action that connects to people’s real concerns – affordability, resilience, and fairness – and proving that businesses can be part of the solution.”
The Better Futures 2026 report is based on a nationally representative survey of more than 1,000 New Zealanders, alongside international benchmarking and longitudinal analysis.
The 2026 top five concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. The cost of living (unchanged)
2. Protection of children from mental, physical and sexual abuse (3rd)
3. Not having access to good, affordable healthcare (2nd)
4. Violence in society (5th)
5. Availability of affordable housing (9th)
The top five environmental concerns for New Zealanders compared with 2025 ranking are as follows:
1. Pollution of lakes, rivers, and seas (unchanged)
2. Microplastics in the environment and food sources (3rd)
3. Extreme weather events (flooding, fires, drought) (9th)
4. Loss of biodiversity on land and in marine environments (8th)
5. The impact of climate change (unchanged )
Margin of error ±5% points at the 95% confidence level.
This is the 17th year Kantar has been monitoring the issues New Zealanders care most deeply about.
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Storm News – Red weather warnings "no joke", says NEMA boss

Source: National Emergency Management Agency

As another tropical depression batters Northland and moves over the motu, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is urging people to take the Metservice warnings extremely seriously.
Parts of Northland are under a Red Heavy Rain warning today as a deep sub-tropical low passes over Aotearoa New Zealand. Further Red warnings are considered highly likely, and Whangarei and the Far North regions have declared States of Local Emergency.
“Red weather warnings are real and no joke, and I’m urging people not to put themselves in harm’s way, as your life safety is critical,” NEMA’s director of civil defence emergency management John Price says.
“MetService only issues red warnings for the most extreme weather events. Heavy rain and severe winds can cause flooding and landslides, which can kill or cause serious harm.
“It’s tempting to go out and see what is happening, or go out on the water to experience the big waves – but please, trust your danger sense and don’t be foolish.
“If you get into trouble and need rescuing, you’ll be holding up emergency services who need to be looking after our most vulnerable.”
NEMA advises people in the warning areas not to enter floodwaters and avoid travel. Act quickly to self-evacuate if you feel in danger.
“We’re asking people to trust their danger sense, so if you see rising waters or signs that a slope may be unstable, get away immediately,” John Price says.
“Your safety is your responsibility.
“Listen to the radio and advice from your local Civil Defence Emergency Management group and emergency services, and call 111 if your life is in danger.
“Stay safe out there.”
John Price says NEMA is working with local Civil Defence and emergency services to coordinate resources and support the locally-led response efforts.
More information on what to do before, during and after severe weather can be found on the Get Ready site – www.getready.govt.nz.
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Storm Northland UPDATE 02; MARCH WEATHER EVENT

Source: Northland Regional Council

Date: Thursday 26 March Update number: 02 @ 1640 hrs
UPDATE 02; MARCH WEATHER EVENT
An update on the weather situation as of 1640hrs today (Thursday 26 March).
Severe weather continues to affect our region, with Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings and a Strong Wind Warning still in place across the region. If you are home, and safe, we encourage you to stay put, be prepared and continue to follow updates.
Here’s what people need to know as we head into the evening:
Flooding and river conditions River levels are high across the region, with some still rising. Further rainfall may cause flooding, slips, landslides, hazardous driving conditions and road closures.
Roads, travel and welfare Please avoid travel where possible. If people must travel, they should drive to the conditions and expect delays and changing conditions.
There are several State Highway and local road closures, with more possible. Crews will respond as quickly as conditions allow. Check NZTA for most up to date information Highway conditions for Northland | NZTA Journey Planner
Due to road closures, some Far North, Kaipara and coastal communities are currently cut off. If you can’t get home, stay with friends or whānau if possible. If that’s not an option, information about welfare centres or marae will be shared via district council channels. If you need welfare support, please ring your local district council.
MORE
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
Power outages There are multiple power outages across the region. Crews are working to restore supply, but this may take time, so you should prepare for extended outages and check:
State of emergency A state of emergency has been declared by both Far North District Council and Whangārei District Council for an initial period of seven days. This is a precautionary measure that gives them emergency powers so they can act quickly – e.g. if they need to close roads, undertake evacuations etc.
What you can do now – Avoid floodwaters and unstable ground – Be ready to self-evacuate if water rises or you feel unsafe – Move vehicles and valuables away from flood-prone areas – Bring pets inside and move stock from low-lying paddocks – Have essential supplies, a grab bag and an evacuation plan ready – If it’s safe, check on neighbours, older people and those who may need support
If you or your whānau are in immediate danger, call 111.
This is a fast-changing situation. We’ll continue to provide updates as information comes in. Please keep following this page, MetService, and your local and regional councils. Weather warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#upper-north
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Banking and Security – ASB warns of a new wave of bank impersonation scams

Source: ASB

ASB is urging people and businesses to be alert, with calls from scammers impersonating bank staff on the rise again. The scammers have been asking people to verbally share verification codes to access online banking, or directing them to fake bank websites to enter details.

ASB General Manager Fraud and Scams, Richard Joseph says the callers are very sophisticated and in many cases are claiming they have detected fraudulent activity on a person’s bank account, in order to appear more convincing.

“While our fraud team may call customers to verify unusual transactions, we won’t ask for login credentials.

“We will never ask for your banking passwords, PIN, verification codes sent through your mobile phone or codes from your token. We will never ask you to type a web address into your browser, nor ask you to enter any of your details or codes.  The only web address ASB uses is www.asb.co.nz.”

ASB customers who receive a call from someone claiming to be from ASB can ask for a Caller Check. The bank will send a secure message directly to their ASB Mobile Banking App to verify they are actually speaking with ASB before sharing any information.

“If anyone claiming to be ASB can’t send a Caller Check notification, or if a customer receives a Caller Check anywhere other than the ASB Mobile Banking app, it’s likely a scam.

“If anyone is in doubt about whether they’re really speaking to their bank, hang up and call back on one of its publicly listed numbers.”

ASB is urging any customer who believes their account may have been compromised to contact the bank immediately on 0800 ASB FRAUD (0800 272 372), or +64 9 303 0332 if calling from overseas, or to visit their local branch.

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Palestine Forum of New Zealand Condemns Restrictions on Worship at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Source: Palestine Forum of New Zealand
Palestine Forum of New Zealand strongly condemns the ongoing restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation on access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, particularly during the final days of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

The closure has prevented tens of thousands of Palestinian worshippers from accessing one of Islam’s holiest sites, in what has been widely described as a flagrant violation of religious freedom and fundamental human rights.

“At a time that should be marked by prayer, reflection, and community, Palestinians are instead facing restrictions and denial of their basic right to worship,” said a spokesperson for the Palestine Forum of New Zealand. “Such actions are deeply concerning and must not be normalised.”

The Forum calls on the New Zealand Government and the international community to take a clear and principled stand against these violations and to uphold the protection of religious rights and unimpeded access to holy sites.

“The sanctity of religious spaces must be respected,” the spokesperson added. “Silence in the face of such actions only enables further injustice.”

:
Palestine Forum of New Zealand

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Awards – Outstanding women recognised in annual awards

Source: New Zealand Minerals Council

Four outstanding women in extractives were recognised today for their achievements, receiving top honours at the industry’s annual awards.
New Zealand Minerals Council, Aggregate and Quarry Association (AQA), and MinEx hosted the Komatsu New Zealand Women in Extractives event and awards ceremony in Hamilton.
Megan Williams, from Reefton, was named MITO Emerging Star for her work as Senior Sustainability Advisor at Endura Mining’s Snowy River gold mine.
Megan is well known on the West Coast for building strong relationships with regulators, community groups, and colleagues and for being focused on the best possible environmental outcomes. Megan joined the team at Snowy River last year after playing a central role in the Reefton Restoration Project following the closure of the Globe Progress gold mine near Reefton. Her professionalism and approachable style have seen her work with colleagues to develop innovative ways to ensure Snowy River is a sustainable, environmentally responsible mine.
Nicole Pierce was named MinEx Kristy Christensen Memorial winner for her contribution to making everyone feel valued and included in her role as Quarry Operations Coordinator at Waiotahi Contractors in Whakatāne.
Nicole creates a safe, inclusive environment where people feel supported to speak up, are listened to, and are genuinely cared for. Her approachability, empathy, and practical leadership strengthen wellbeing, capability and team morale, making a lasting, positive impact across the quarry. She is a trusted sounding board and plays a key role in supporting mental wellbeing, encouraging open conversations and helping team members work through both work related and personal challenges.
Heather McKay, from the West Coast, was named IOQNZ Leader of the Year for her work as General Manager Environment and Sustainability at Westland Mineral Sands.
Heather’s leadership is grounded in initiative, influence, collaboration and a genuine commitment to bring people together to achieve outcomes that benefit both industry and the community. She works with iwi, community, and technical groups, helping shift sustainability from a function to a shared mindset. Through her work, Heather is helping demonstrate how extractive industries can operate responsibly, engage meaningfully with communities, and deliver lasting environmental and economic value.
Sue Bonham-Carter, from Nelson, is the AusIMM New Zealand Extractives Trailblazer, acknowledging her 35 years in the industry and her current role as Acting General Manager Resource Development at Bathurst Resources and Director BCP Associates (NZ).
In that time, Sue has worked around the world from Laos, Colombia and Africa, to Australia, Canada and New Zealand. She is the kind of trailblazer who reshapes an industry through unwavering technical excellence, calm judgement, and a belief in the potential of every person she works with. She leads with integrity, uplifts others, and shares her considerable knowledge at conferences and technical gatherings. Alongside an impressive career, Sue has had her eye on the next generation and has raised three brilliant STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) qualified daughters.
“In our fourth year of these awards, we continue to see the depth of talent from women in the extractives industry, which is extraordinary considering they are the minority of workers,” says AQA and MinEx CEO Wayne Scott. “We had 20 entries for these awards, and we want to acknowledge every one of them as a talent we want to keep.”
“It is interesting to see this year the work being done on the important environmental side of extractive operations and how women working in this space are collaborative and taking others with them for wider community outcomes and acceptance,” says New Zealand Minerals Council CEO Josie Vidal.
“Each woman has an inspiring story, and we hope people outside the industry will take the time to listen to them and learn about the many positive impacts of the extractives industry,” Vidal says.
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Energy Sector – ERGANZ welcomes launch of Billy to help Kiwis find power plans that fit their needs

Source: Energy Retailers and Generators Association of New Zealand (ERGANZ)

ERGANZ welcomes the launch of Billy, the Electricity Authority’s new free power bill comparison tool, saying the service promises to make it easier for New Zealanders to compare power plans and switch providers. (See; billy.govt.nz )

ERGANZ Chief Executive Bridget Abernethy says the launch is good news for households and a positive step in an open, competitive electricity market.

“Everything that gives New Zealanders more options when it comes to their power is a step in the right direction.”

Abernethy says ERGANZ members support improvements that make the market easier to navigate and more responsive to customers. Billy does not receive commissions or promote any particular power company.

“Our members are committed to a market where customers can see what is on offer, compare with confidence, and switch easily when a better option is available. It keeps retailers on their toes, encourages sharper offers, better service, and gives customers more agency.”

Abernethy says Billy has the potential to help more households shop around, test whether they are on the right plan, and engage with new pricing options, including plans that reward people for shifting some of their power use to different times of the day.

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Health Coalition – New report shows communities need better policy support to combat growing food insecurity

Source: Health Coalition Aotearoa

Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland have released a new report highlighting key actions needed to improve access to affordable, nutritious food for communities across South Auckland.
Titled “He kai kei aku ringa – There is food in my hands”, the foundation report responds to rising levels of food poverty in the region and showcase innovative community-led initiatives that are improving access to healthy food.
Following a year-long research process and working with the Māngere community, the solutions needed to improve South Auckland’s food system have been identified in areas of planning and zoning reform, school and food protections, fiscal and regulatory levers, and economic system shift.
These include granting legislative tools to allow Auckland Council to unlock unused or underused public land for community kai initiatives, permanently funding and expanding Ka Ora Ka Ako – Healthy School Lunches Programme possibly through a sugary drinks tax, and giving communities a say in where and how many junk food outlets they want in their neighbourhoods.
Healthy Families South Auckland’s Matt Appleyard says the challenge is to ensure community-led solutions are inter-connected across sectors as these solutions can be platforms for wider change.
“The system analysis in He kai kei aku ringa reveals where we collectively need to strengthen the local food system to make the most impact for communities,” he says.
“Our conclusion is that a coordinated and systems-oriented approach, in combination with targeted national-level and regional-level regulation and policy changes, will rebalance the food system, so everyone thrives. It’s time we stopped looking past food choices as individuals, and instead see they are part of an economic system with shared responsibility.”
Professor Boyd Swinburn from University of Auckland and Health Coalition Aotearoa says New Zealand needs to recognise food insecurity is a major driver in our nation’s problems.
“Aotearoa is an export nation excellent at growing kai – enough to feed 40 million people, in fact. And yet we have 42% of children in South Auckland regularly going hungry, which clearly isn’t primarily caused by the 5% unemployment rate. We must debunk the narrative that our nation’s food issues are about parents not working hard enough.”
He is calling for collaborative action across local and central government to allow communities’ energy and innovation for local food systems to thrive, while also limiting the dominance of the industrial food system and its promotion of unhealthy food.
“Many of the solutions are well-known – like more community gardens on unused public land and removing junk food advertising from Auckland Council and Auckland Transport contracts, and within 500 metres of schools.”
Swinburn says He kai kei aku ringa provides the solutions, and Health Coalition Aotearoa is seeking partnership with organisations to progress the findings.
“What we’re seeking now is show of hands from those bold enough to tackle New Zealand’s food issues. The community has provided some feasible solutions. Now we want to implement change.”
The reports were commissioned by Health Coalition Aotearoa and Healthy Families South Auckland, and developed by Moana Connect, with support from Toi Tangata, Clare Foundation, the University of Auckland, JR McKenzie Trust, and MAS Foundation.
Read the foundation report at www.healthcoalition.org.nz/resources
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Energy Sector – Electricity Authority launches free power comparison and switching site ‘Billy’

Source: Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko

New publicly owned digital tool helps households check they’re on the right power plan

Thursday 26 March 2026 – New Zealanders can now compare and switch power plans with confidence using Billy, the new, free, publicly-owned comparison and switching site launched today by the Electricity Authority Te Mana Hiko (the Authority).

Named as a nod to the power ‘bill’, Billy will make it easier for households to take control of their power costs.

“Billy gives people a simple way to check their plan and make sure they’re getting the best deal for them,” says Authority Chief Executive Sarah Gillies. “As Billy says, ‘there’s power in checking’

“We want people to be confident they’re getting good value for their power by providing clarity and choice.”

Gillies says Billy builds on other changes the Authority has made to strengthen competition and empower consumers with better bills and clearer information.

“Electricity is a lifeline not a luxury. It warms our homes, powers our lives and connects us to opportunity. But for too many people, it’s a source of stress. Heading into winter, many households will face an increase to their power bill. It’s more important than ever to check whether your plan is delivering good value for your household, and whether you could save money with a better deal.”

Owned and operated by the Authority, the interactive site uses real data from 27,000 Kiwi households to model how people use power and create personalised comparisons. The Authority does not receive commissions or promote any particular power company. Billy simply shows how different plans could work for each household.

“Electricity is one of the biggest regular costs for most New Zealanders,” says Gillies.

“Power bills rose by an average of about 10% in the first half of last year – around $17 per month for the average home.”

Research commissioned by the Authority in 2024 highlights why tools like Billy are needed. 

Of the households surveyed, half of those who switched power companies did so to save money.

Among those who hadn’t switched, the main barriers were:

• uncertainty whether savings would be real (50%)
• feeling the benefit might not be worth the hassle (37%)
• believing switching would be difficult (25%).

Billy makes it easy to see what you could save by either uploading a recent power bill, or answering a few simple questions. Within seconds, you will receive personalised comparisons based on your electricity use and guided through a simple process if you choose to switch.

“The Authority has no commercial interest in whether someone switches. For many people, the outcome may simply be reassurance that their current plan is working well.”

Gillies says trusted information makes a big difference. Billy will help people better understand their options and make informed choices.”

Minister for Energy Simon Watts says making energy affordable is a top priority for the Government: “Helping you save money is our priority. Billy is a simple tool that takes the guesswork out of power bills, making sure you’re on the best plan so you can keep more in your pocket without the hassle.”

Billy is live at www.billy.govt.nz

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Reserve Bank Advisory – "Keeping Cash Local" consultation extended to 31 July 2026

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

26 March 2026 – Due to strong interest from the public and key stakeholders, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, Te Pūtea Matua has extended the closing date for responses to our Keeping Cash Local consultation.

The new closing date will be 31 July 2026.

The RBNZ has received requests for more information on the consultation, including requests under the Official Information Act. We will publish further material to support the consultation, including responses to OIA requests in early June.

Additionally, alternate formats of the consultation document – in NZSL, braille, easy read, audio and large print – will be made available in May to allow disabled people and their communities to have their say.

More information

Respond to our survey, make a submission or download consultation materials on CitizenSpace: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=9b34659441&e=f3c68946f8
Watch our video and learn more about the public consultation: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=364d75d716&e=f3c68946f8