Source: ASB Bank
- Around half of all Kiwi say KiwiSaver policies will influence their voting decision come 7th November
- Investor confidence has risen to 15%, up from just 1% the previous quarter, with Aucklanders’ confidence at a three-year high
- Kiwi under the age of 50 see managed investments and KiwiSaver as providing the best returns, property continues to dominate for over 50s despite slow housing market
With the General Election just days away, KiwiSaver remains firmly in the spotlight, with 49% of respondents saying policies around KiwiSaver contribution rates and the superannuation age will influence their voting decision.
The impact is particularly pronounced among people aged 30-39, with 69% saying these policies will influence their vote. That compares with 54% of respondents aged under 30 and 39% of 60-69-year-olds.
Chris says the findings show retirement policy is not just a conversation for people approaching retirement.
“What really stands out is the level of interest among younger New Zealanders. For people in their 30s, retirement might still feel a long way away, but decisions made today around KiwiSaver, the retirement age, and superannuation are clearly important.
“Nearly seven in 10 people aged 30 to 39 told us these policies could influence their vote. That tells us long-term financial security is front of mind for many New Zealanders well before they reach retirement.”
Chris says the election debate provides an opportunity for New Zealanders to think about more than simply the policy settings.
“Regardless of where those policy settings ultimately land, one of the most useful things people can do is understand their own position. Knowing what you’re contributing, how your money is invested and whether those settings remain appropriate for your circumstances can make a meaningful difference over the long term.”
More broadly, the latest ASB Investor Confidence Survey shows net investor confidence rose 14 percentage points to 15% this quarter, exceeding levels typically seen over the past two years.
Aucklanders have led the rebound, with net investor confidence jumping 22 percentage points to 26%, the highest result for the region in nearly three years.
The survey also points to a shift in where New Zealanders see investment opportunities.
Managed investments were rated as providing the best returns by 16% of respondents, followed closely by KiwiSaver at 15%. Own homes were at 14%, while public shares and term deposits were both at 12%.
ASB Senior Economist Chris Tennent-Brown says the result suggests New Zealand investors are looking through the persistent global uncertainty, and focussing on where they think best returns come from.
“It’s encouraging to see investor confidence moving back into more positive territory. New Zealanders have had plenty to digest this year. Share market performance was a key positive in the quarter, but improved sentiment for other investments also helped the overall result.”
Note to editors:
The ASB Investor Confidence and KiwiSaver survey measures New Zealanders’ behaviour and attitudes towards investing. The following analysis is based on 793 online interviews in Q3’26 with adults aged 18 years and older throughout New Zealand. A sample of this size has a maximum margin of error of 3.5% at the 95% confidence level. Fieldwork occurred between 1st July – 29th September 2026.