Climate worries rising
sharply
Consumer NZ’s latest Sentiment Tracker
data highlights a recent spike in concern about the effects
of climate change.
“Our latest data shows an
increase in the number of New Zealanders who are very
concerned about climate change,” said Jon Duffy Consumer
NZ Chief Executive.
“Climate change stands out as
being a particularly high concern for people aged 50 and
over.
“This year’s severe weather events in
Auckland and the upper North Island have sparked a surge in
concern for local climate impacts.”
With rising
concerns about climate change, there has been a drop in
people’s confidence that New Zealand is able to address
climate change.
“Less than a quarter of the
population think New Zealand is well equipped to adapt to
the impact of climate change.”
Shopping
habits driven by environmental concerns
The
watchdog’s research indicates these climate concerns are
playing out in peoples’ purchasing habits.
“Over
the past three months, more than one in ten have changed
their spending habits, such as the brand or product
purchased, for sustainability or environmental
reasons.
“In the coming twelve months, almost 85% of
New Zealanders expect to maintain or increase their focus on
making environmentally sustainable food and grocery
choices.
“People are keen to make environmentally
sustainable purchases, but at the same time they are
constrained by the ongoing cost of living
squeeze.”
Cost of living remains New
Zealanders’ top concern
Consumer’s sentiment
tracking confirms, yet again, the cost of living trumps all
other current concerns for New Zealanders across every age
bracket.
“Whether you’re 18 or 80, right now the
cost of living is highly likely to be your number one
worry,” said Duffy.
Since early 2022 the cost of
living has been New Zealanders’ primary concern, but this
has now peaked with well over half of New Zealanders saying
it is their biggest concern.
More than three in five
people are also very concerned about the cost of purchasing
food and groceries over the coming twelve
months.
“More than 8 in 10 people are opting to buy
less expensive products to save money, and almost 90% of New
Zealanders are becoming more mindful about where they choose
to spend their hard-earned dollars.
“This is likely
exacerbated by the fact that 70% of New Zealanders say they
are now spending more of their income on
essentials.”
Understand what consumers care
about with Consumer’s Sentiment
Tracker
Consumer’s quarterly sentiment tracker
focuses on key consumer topics, from consumer patterns to
consumer trust, providing valuable insights into people’s
varying perspectives and how views change over
time.
“Our dedicated research allows us to get to
the bottom of what really matters to New Zealanders, so we
can focus our efforts accordingly.
“We exist to
champion and empower New Zealand’s consumers, so it is
vital we understand what matters most to them,” said
Duffy.
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