The New Zealand Financial Markets Authority published Good Cents: Kiwis on Savings and Debt, research finding that many New Zealanders report confidence in their financial decisions but often have a mismatch between stated financial goals and actual investment behaviours and product holdings. The report highlights three areas for improvement for providers including banks, insurers and investment advisers: better alignment of investment choices with goals, improved understanding of debt management, and greater consumer comfort in seeking financial information and guidance. Key findings include that 1 in 6 New Zealanders feel they are “sinking” financially, rising to 1 in 4 among those aged 45–54, and that more than half strategically pay off high-interest debt first. While 2 in 3 respondents are open to receiving financial guidance, 42% feel uncomfortable discussing their finances, with people under 24 the least comfortable and least financially literate. Active investment in higher risk and return products such as shares is less common despite nearly half prioritising high returns, while those over 65 are more likely to seek stable returns and hold money in term deposits; a quarter of respondents use buy now pay later services, rising to 40% among Māori and Pasifika. The FMA invited engagement with industry and consumer groups on ways to respond to the report’s insights and stated that the findings will help guide its regulatory focus and outcomes-focused approach.

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