Economic Data Reporter · 17/06/2026 · 15:07 NZT · 6 min read
"The cost of essentials like petrol and electricity has skyrocketed, along with mortgage costs pushing higher. The resulting squeeze on households' finances has been a drag on spending."Satish Ranchod, Westpac senior economist
Stats NZ must prepare a traditional full-population census for 2028 at an estimated cost of $300 million to $400 million after the government could not secure the 75 percent parliamentary majority required for modernisation reforms.
New Zealand's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 5.3 percent in the March 2026 quarter from 5.4 percent in the December 2025 quarter, Stats NZ reported. Filled jobs nationwide reached about 2.35 million, still roughly 41,000 short of the October 2023 peak.
The Westpac-McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index plunged 14.3 points to 80.4 in the June 2026 quarter. This marks the lowest reading since 2023 and the weakest level in three years.
The prior quarter's reading stood at 94.7 in March 2026. The long-term average since 1988 sits around 108.
A reading below 100 signals more households pessimistic than optimistic about economic conditions.
Higher fuel and energy costs drove the sharp decline. Petrol prices reached NZD 3.41 per litre by early June.
Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchod highlighted the pressure.
"The cost of essentials like petrol and electricity has skyrocketed, along with mortgage costs pushing higher. The resulting squeeze on households' finances has been a drag on spending."
Floating residential mortgage rates hovered near 5.8 to 6.2 percent in recent months.
Discretionary Spending at Weakest Since 1991
Households responded by cutting discretionary spending. A net 38 percent reduced outlays on dining out and entertainment. This represents the weakest result since 1991.
Westpac-McDermott Miller Consumer Confidence Index
Index fell sharply in Q2 2026, well below the long-term average of 108.
Regional differences emerged. Canterbury recorded the smallest drop, supported by dairy sector strength. Wellington showed the most pessimism amid public sector concerns.
Gender and employment gaps appeared in the data. Half of women viewed themselves as worse off financially than a year ago, compared with two in five men.
McDermott Miller market research director Imogen Rendall noted forward-looking pessimism.
"Just over a quarter of those in paid work expect to be better off financially in a year's time, compared with just one in seven of those who are not in paid work."
One third of households expected to be worse off next year. This marks the most pessimistic outlook in three years.
Potential Relief on the Horizon
Relief may come from easing global tensions and lower oil prices. Ranchod pointed to potential recovery later in 2026.
"While domestic cost pressures remain elevated for now, the recent easing in global tensions could pave the way for a recovery in confidence and firming in economic activity through the back part of the year."
New Zealand's Stats NZ data showed household living costs rose 2.1 percent year-on-year to March 2026. The RBNZ held the OCR at 2.25 percent amid these pressures.
Analysts expect modest improvement if fuel costs stabilise and monetary easing effects flow through.
