Since 2019, we have asked working people to talk about their experiences of work over the past 12 months, and what their thoughts are on issues likely to impact their work and lives in the future.
We do this because we think the voice of working people should be heard by all of us, especially by decision-makers. Too often the voices that are collated and published are only those from the boardroom or from employers. Without the voice of working people provided by this survey, and unions more broadly, we are limited to an unbalanced narrative, limited to knowing only how confident business owners feel or what a handful of high-profile directors think. When only part of the economic story is heard, fair and inclusive decisions - good decisions - are less likely to be made.
The 2025 survey reveals deep concerns from respondents regarding their work lives, housing, health care, and perceptions of the coalition government in Aotearoa New Zealand. Common themes include rising workloads without adequate staffing, financial strain from stagnant wages, and dissatisfaction with management practices and job security. Government funding cuts and restructuring have further worsened these issues, creating stress and burnout among workers.
In housing, respondents highlighted unaffordability, and inequities driven by investor activity and ineffective policies. Many expressed frustrations with rental instability and substandard living conditions. Calls for systemic change highlighted the need for affordable, secure housing as a fundamental right.
Health care concerns were focused on high costs, long wait times, and regional disparities in access. Respondents want to see increased public health funding, improved equity, and resistance to privatisation to ensure universal and quality care.
Criticism of the government was sharp, focusing on perceived corruption, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of public services. Respondents highlighted the negative impact of austerity measures and tax policies that favour the wealthy, while calling for fairer taxation, better representation, and more investment in public services and infrastructure.
The overarching sentiment across themes underscores a demand for systemic reforms to address inequality, protect workers, and strengthen public services for a more equitable society.
Worklife
Increased Demand and Staffing Issues
Many respondents highlighted a marked increase in demand for their services without a corresponding increase in staffing levels. This imbalance has led to significant stress and decreased morale among employees. There is a common sentiment that employers have neglected to address staffing shortages and provide necessary training, further exacerbating the workload.
Not replacing staff that have left has increased the workload and stress levels of myself and other staff. Consistently being told to reduce staffing levels to lower wage cost has impacted the financial situation for staff as well as increasing the workload for those that are not called off. Morale is low and I have been doing my best to avoid full burn out with little success and my mental health has suffered significantly.
Management and Communication
A recurring theme is the dissatisfaction with management practices, particularly the management of organisational changes. Phrases like "Management of change" and "HR" evoke strong negative reactions, with many feeling that these processes have been detrimental to their mental and physical health. Communication from the top is perceived as poor, fostering an environment of mistrust and uncertainty.
People have left or been 'optimised' and are not being replaced. The amount of work is increased and we are expected to do more for no increased income. People are dissatisfied, disillusioned, and burnt out.
Job Security and Redundancies
The fear of job loss and the impact of repeated staffing reviews and department mergers have created a pervasive sense of insecurity. Many comments reflect worries about the permanence of their positions, with some noting the significant impact these changes have had on workplace morale.
I feel my employer has started to feel emboldened to make me work beyond reasonable as they know that the job market is so tight and that it will be hard for me to find work elsewhere.
Government and Public Sector Sentiment
Employees in the public sector expressed profound disillusionment with the Government's treatment of public servants. There is a strong feeling of betrayal and a belief that the Government has shown contempt for the sector. Respondents call for better support and strategic thinking from leadership.
Funding cuts to the social services frontline sector mean that those left in work are doing more with less resources. Workers are burning out, overwhelmed & constantly fearful about the next round of funding cuts & possible losing their jobs.
Financial Strain and Compensation
Financial concerns are widespread, with many employees feeling that their pay has not kept up with the rising cost of living. The lack of pay raises over recent years has led to financial strain and a sense of being undervalued. This is being compounded by government policy. Some respondents mention that they feel more appreciated by their clients than by their employers.
The cost of living has been much higher than my pay increase. It has made it difficult to leave a relationship that was harmful to me as suddenly everything was far outside what I could afford.
General Discontent and Disillusionment
There is an overarching sense of discontent and disillusionment among the respondents. Factors contributing to this include poor negotiation outcomes, job cuts, excessive expectations beyond working hours, and unresolved issues such as unpaid holiday pay. Many feel exploited and undervalued in their roles.
In conclusion, the verbatim comments reveal a workforce under significant pressure, struggling with increased demands, poor management practices, job insecurity, and inadequate compensation.
Housing
The verbatim comments for Question 2 of the survey reveal several prominent themes regarding housing issues. The responses highlight the diverse and critical concerns faced by the respondents concerning housing affordability, availability, and the broader social and economic implications.
Housing Affordability
A recurring theme is the frustration with the skyrocketing house prices and the increasing difficulty in affording a home. Many respondents shared personal stories about how rising interest rates and housing costs have put homeownership out of reach. The sentiment is that housing has become unaffordable for low and middle-income families. The comments suggest that government policies favouring the rich contribute to this affordability crisis.
My husband and I have good incomes, but we are struggling to manage high rental and save for a house with the current costs of living. It's never been this hard, and it's frustrating as we've worked so hard to get where we are, but it feels like we can't make enough progress to actually get on the property ladder.
Impact of Investors and Tax Policies
Respondents frequently mentioned the role of investors in driving up housing prices. There is a call for a fairer tax system, including the implementation of a capital gains tax to reduce investor activity in the housing market. The belief is that such measures could make housing more accessible to prospective buyers by reducing speculative investments.
I am appalled by the level of incentivising of home hoarding as a form of tax evasion and passive income by the current government which is driving housing insecurity.
Access to Affordable Housing
Access to affordable housing is seen as a fundamental right and an essential aspect of a functioning society. Many comments reflect the sentiment that access to housing has deteriorated, particularly for marginalised groups such as Māori and Pacific peoples. There are concerns about the inability of younger generations to afford rent or save for a deposit, leading some elders to consider sacrificing their own security to help their families.
Access to housing is a real problem for Māori and Pacific peoples in our area. I am concerned for our mokopunas' parents who can't afford rent or don't earn enough to get a deposit for their first home. So, we are considering moving out into a small unit so they can move into our 4 bedroom house! But, this puts us at risk in our senior years.
Rent and Landlord Issues
The challenges of renting, including high costs and the power dynamics between landlords and tenants, are significant themes. Respondents lament the non-existence of affordable rental options, with landlords hiking prices due to desperate demand. There are mentions of tenants being kicked out or rents being increased to unaffordable levels when complaints are made.
I rent and while we have lived in the same house for 4 years (the longest in one place in our adult lives) we are constantly aware that we may need to move at some point if our landlord decides so, for whatever reason. Our house also has several issues that need to be fixed, or would be fixed if it were the landlords primary place of residence, but we tend to only bother asking for vital things to be fixed so as to not seem like "nagging" tenants. We wish we could buy an affordable home but are not yet in a position to do so, and affordable homes don't seem to exist anymore.
Government Projects and Policies
There is some frustration with government projects and policies related to housing. A specific example is given of a Kainga Ora project in Christchurch that was slated to proceed but then halted without explanation. Additionally, concerns are raised about government charges and their impact on making housing less affordable despite tax cuts.
Govt need to allow Kāinga ora to recommence their former building programme. Councils need to get on with changes that allow developers to build and new developments to provide churn in existing housing that allow 1st home buyers into the market.
In summary, the verbatim comments paint a picture of a housing crisis marked by unaffordability, investor-driven price hikes, inadequate government response, and significant social and health ramifications. Respondents are calling for systemic changes to ensure housing is accessible, affordable, and of good quality for all members of society.
Taxation
The verbatim comments for Question 3 reflect varied perspectives on Aotearoa New Zealand's tax system. Several recurring themes have emerged from the responses.
Capital Gains Tax
Many respondents expressed strong support for the introduction of a capital gains tax. They believe it will promote fairness, reduce wealth hoarding by a few families, and shift the focus from housing as a business to housing as a home. Some suggest that the capital gains tax should be applied to investment properties while providing exemptions for primary residences. Overall there is a sense that a capital gains tax is overdue and essential for equity.
Introducing capital gains and wealth taxes is vital for our future. Everyone must pay their fair share so we can all live in a more equitable society.
Fairness and Equity
A significant number of comments highlight the need for a broader and fairer tax system. Respondents argue that the current system disproportionately benefits the wealthy, who can exploit loopholes to minimise taxes. There is a call for measures that ensure a fairer distribution of tax burdens, particularly focusing on creating a more equitable system for low and middle-income earners.
We are stealing from our children when we don't have a tax system that fairly covers off our basic infrastructure needs. We are living off infrastructure built, in some cases, 100 years ago. The utter failure to address this is the responsibility of successive governments, but it must end or we are staring down major catastrophic breakdown of key life essentials: hospitals, schools, housing, transport, ports, water, air quality, climate.
Tax Base Broadening
Several participants advocate for broadening the tax base to address the structural deficit and ensure sustainable funding for public services. They suggest that this could be done in a cost-neutral manner to make it more politically acceptable. Broadening the tax base is seen as critical for maintaining the quality and reliability of public services.
We need to find ways to ensure that wealthier people pay more, especially business owners who get tax breaks through their businesses that the average NZer is not able to get.
Incentivising Productive Investments
A recurring sentiment is that the tax system should discourage unproductive property speculation and instead encourage investments that generate real economic value. Many believe that the current system fosters unproductive economic activities, and reforms are needed to incentivise productive investments.
A large portion of the economic activity in this country is made up of pointless and unproductive property speculation. Our tax system should be penalizing this behaviour and encouraging the creation of products and services of real value.
Higher Income Tax Brackets
Some respondents propose the introduction of higher income tax brackets for high earners. They argue that this would contribute to a fairer tax system and help redistribute wealth more effectively.
The rich seem to get richer while those on a lower wage seem to sink lower. When a prime minister can boast about being okay because he is rich should be cause for questions asked on their suitability to govern.
Protecting the Vulnerable
A few comments emphasise the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, such as retirees and families who might own a second home for supportive reasons. They suggest that any new tax measures should consider exemptions or protections to avoid undue burdens on these groups.
Strongly support a CGT on shares, property other than the family home (that's still a big part of people's retirement savings), etc.
Political Will and Implementation
Some respondents mention the role of government in implementing tax changes. They believe that the current Government could enact fairer tax laws if there is sufficient political will.
The gap continues to increase, and the current government seems intent on giving wealthy people tax breaks, while punishing the poor for trying to access govt support.
Overall, the responses indicate a strong desire for a fairer, more equitable, and transparent tax system that discourages wealth concentration and promotes productive investments.
Health care
High Costs of Health Care
One of the most prominent themes in the comments is the high cost associated with accessing health care services. Many respondents expressed frustration over the expensive fees for doctor visits, medications, and after-hours services, which make it difficult for individuals, especially those without community services cards, to afford necessary care. Many respondents identified themselves as health care workers with firsthand experiences.
I forgo seeing a doctor when I might need to (haven't been in months) because GP visits are too expensive and my medication is not subsidised.
Long Wait Times
Another significant issue highlighted by the respondents is the lengthy wait times for appointments with general practitioners (GPs) and specialists. Comments indicated frustrations with waiting weeks or even months to see a doctor, which can exacerbate health issues and reduce the quality of care received.
Right now I have been waiting for 15 months on an important brain MRI. Many others are in an even much worse predicament.
Public vs. Private Health Care
A recurring theme is the debate over public versus private health care. Many respondents expressed a strong preference for a publicly funded health system that is accessible to all, arguing that the move towards privatisation is detrimental and increases inequality. There is a clear call for more investment in primary health care to ensure it remains universally available and free.
A private Health Care system is NOT a good option for the majority of NZ. Our public Healthcare system used to be great (many years ago), it absolutely needs to become a priority again, for all age groups and incomes.
Regional Disparities
Comments also touched on regional disparities in health care access and infrastructure. There were specific calls for the urgent construction of new health facilities, such as the Dunedin hospital, to address the pressing needs in certain regions.
Unfair for Māori and other identifiable groups. Post code differences mean for example HB men get far worse urology treatment than Auckland men.
Equity in Health Care
Equity and fairness in health care delivery were highlighted as crucial factors. Respondents emphasised the need for everyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, to receive the same level of care. There were concerns that certain groups, particularly the elderly, are being neglected.
My whānau (mokos ands their parents) cannot afford to see the doctor, so I am paying for them to go but won't be able to continue to do this when I retire in a few months.
Public Sentiment and Political Accountability
There is a strong sentiment that the current health care policies are failing the public. Many comments reflect a lack of trust in the political system, with calls for politicians to prioritise the health care needs of the population over profit-driven motives. The overarching desire is for a fair, quality, and accessible health system that serves as a measure of social success and political competence.
The wait lists are too long. Our health staff are over worked and under paid and our hospitals are under funded. This govt. has further erroded our health system.
These key themes collectively highlight the critical areas of concern for the public regarding the health care system in Aotearoa New Zealand and underscore the need for systemic reforms to address these issues.
