New report says only 44% of New Zealanders feel prepared for retirement

More than half of New Zealanders are concerned about money on a weekly basis, according to the Financial Services Council (FSC). 

The FSC has released its annual Financial Resilience Index, an annual report of New Zealanders' financial confidence and wellbeing. The FSC has been tracking and releasing annual reports on financial confidence in NZ from 2020.

The 2025 Index found that 55% of New Zealanders, or just over two million people, are worrying about money on a daily or weekly basis and only 44% feel prepared for retirement which is 6% lower than a year earlier.

FSC Chief Executive Kirk Hope said the 2025 index revealed “mixed signals” as while concern over day-to-day financial stability and long-term preparedness still remains a focus point, there were also signs of optimism returning.

“These results show that while there’s potential for optimism, many households are still feeling the pinch,” he said.

“The data reflects that financial pressure hasn’t disappeared.” 

The 2025 Index reported that while 80% of respondents still feel secure in their current roles, that figure has slipped from 85% in 2024 and 89% in 2023.

“At present, fewer than half of Kiwis feel financially prepared for retirement — a phase of life that should be defined by security and peace of mind,” Hope said. 

On the investments front, the FSC found that 79% of people have some form of investment. KiwiSaver remains the top investment most New Zealanders have, with 81% of people enrolled in the voluntary savings scheme. 

This is just over double the amount of people – 40% – who hold cash investments like term deposits.

“With KiwiSaver being the primary investment vehicle for most New Zealanders, it’s essential that we re-examine settings around contributions and enrolment,” Hope said.

“Ensuring people can maximise the benefits of KiwiSaver is critical not just for their retirement, but for the long-term financial wellbeing of the country.”