The polling, conducted between March 19 and 23, showed global conflict and international instability were key drivers of anxiety, with 70% highly concerned and, of that, 31% were extremely concerned.<\/p>\n
That comes as the war in Ukraine (after the Kremlin\u2019s invasion) surpasses four years and almost 18 months have passed since conflict began in Gaza. A month after taking part in the bombing of Iran and killing its Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei<\/a>, the US has sent the nation a 15-point plan to end the war, but Iran\u2019s Foreign Minister has said Tehran has no plans to negotiate with the US.<\/p>\n Most respondents (85%) saw New Zealand as being \u201chighly exposed\u201d to global shocks, particularly for fuel and essentials. Of this cohort, 48% said New Zealand was \u201cextremely vulnerable\u201d.<\/p>\n Women more worried about economy<\/p>\n Inflation and the economy remained a top-of-mind issue for New Zealanders as many continue to struggle to make ends meet amid an intense cost-of-living crisis. Last week, the Government announced a new support package<\/a> that would provide $50 per week via the In-Work Tax Credit to help some low- and middle-income families with the rising fuel costs.<\/p>\n However, reporting by the Herald<\/a> revealed the criteria of the support excluded around half of the country\u2019s most vulnerable children living in material hardship.<\/p>\n Overall, just under a quarter of New Zealanders were extremely concerned about inflation and the economy.<\/p>\n By gender, more women than men were extremely concerned about most of the issues in Kantar\u2019s survey, particularly the economy (26% v 19%), inflation (26% v 19%) and global conflicts (35% v 27%).<\/p>\n Just under half of all respondents were highly concerned about how the country was being run, and 21% said they were \u201cextremely concerned\u201d. <\/p>\n Next to energy prices, global instability, and inflation, governance was not the paramount concern for respondents. Just under half of respondents had some degree of concern for how the country was being run, and of this, 21% were extremely concerned.<\/p>\n Respondents were polled after memorable events for both political leaders. Labour leader Chris Hipkins recently faced allegations by his ex-wife<\/a> which he has strenuously rejected, and a poor poll result prompted speculation over Prime Minister Christopher Luxon\u2019s future.<\/p>\n