New Zealand / Covid 19

NZers more concerned about housing than unemployment

10:35 am on 22 September 2020

Housing is more of a concern to New Zealanders than the threat of unemployment, a new survey has found.

File photo. Photo: 123RF

The Ipsos New Zealand Issues Monitor surveyed 1000 New Zealanders to find out what worries us most.

The economy loomed large as the biggest concern for many but Covid-19 was still on the radar with 72 percent of New Zealanders supporting the border closure. In the level 4 lockdown, 87 percent felt that way.

Ipsos New Zealand managing director Carin Hercock said anxiety levels among New Zealanders had been high during the coronavirus crisis.

"It's always been a more economic issue" - Carin Hercock

"It's always been a more economic issue from a personal point of view than a health issue."

She said currently 70 percent of New Zealanders feared catching the virus and 28 percent feared their family members would.

Even before the pandemic, housing was always a big issue for New Zealanders, Hercock said.

The economy and unemployment had taken the top spots at the peak of the outbreak in New Zealand.

"Unemployment has slightly declined as a concern and is now sitting third equal with healthcare and poverty and 27 percent."