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Summarised by Centrist
Labour remains ahead of National on most major issues in the latest Ipsos Issues Monitor, despite National gaining ground on the economy and the cost of living.
The quarterly survey of 1,000 New Zealanders found inflation and the cost of living remain the country’s top concern, identified by 59% of respondents.
Respondents picked Labour as most capable of managing the issue by 35%, down one point, while National has risen to 28%, closing the gap from 12 points to seven.
On the economy, the two parties are now level on 32%. Healthcare remains the second most important issue, with Labour on 37% and National on 25%, narrowing the previous margin.
Overall, Labour is seen as most capable on three of the top five issues and equal with National on a fourth. Across the top 20 issues, Labour leads in 14. National is rated strongest on law and order, and on defence, foreign affairs and terrorism.
The Greens lead on climate change and environmental concerns, and Te Pāti Māori on issues facing Māori.
Responding to the results, Finance Minister Nicola Willis said voters were frustrated at the pace of improvement.
“When they elected a change of government, they wanted us to wipe away the Labour years and fix it straight away. I think people are impatient,” she said.
Challenged on her language, Willis added: “I think I am impatient as well. Everyone wants it to happen quicker… But there is no band-aid solution.”
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said it had been a “tough time” for many households and that while inflation was now back within target, “those prices have been baked in”.
The survey was conducted between 11 and 18 February 2026 and carries a credibility interval of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.
Read more over at The NZ Herald and RNZ
