NZ inNumbersMenu
NZ inNumbers

Prices are rising faster than pay rates

Updated

Consumer prices rose 4.1% in the year to the June 2026 quarter. Pay rates for the same jobs rose 2.0%. Prices have risen faster for five quarters in a row.

4.1%Consumer prices
2.0%Pay rates

Pay rates come from the Labour Cost Index, which tracks pay for the same job over time. It leaves out raises from promotions and job changes, so it is not the same as average earnings.

Explore the data behind this chart
Annual % change
Consumer prices (CPI)Pay rates (LCI)
Annual % change. Consumer prices (CPI), Sep 2020 qtr to Jun 2026 qtr, latest 4.1%. Pay rates (LCI), Sep 2020 qtr to Jun 2026 qtr, latest 2.0%.0%2%4%6%8%Peak 7.3%202120222023202420252026
Show the figures
PeriodConsumer prices (CPI) (%)Pay rates (LCI) (%)
Jun 2026 qtr4.1%2.0%
Mar 2026 qtr3.1%2.0%
Dec 2025 qtr3.1%2.0%
Sep 2025 qtr3.0%2.1%
Jun 2025 qtr2.7%2.4%
Mar 2025 qtr2.5%2.9%
Dec 2024 qtr2.2%3.2%
Sep 2024 qtr2.2%3.7%
Jun 2024 qtr3.3%4.3%
Mar 2024 qtr4.0%4.1%
Dec 2023 qtr4.7%4.3%
Sep 2023 qtr5.6%4.4%
Jun 2023 qtr6.0%4.3%
Mar 2023 qtr6.7%4.3%
Dec 2022 qtr7.2%4.1%
Sep 2022 qtr7.2%3.7%
Jun 2022 qtr7.3%3.4%
Mar 2022 qtr6.9%3.0%
Dec 2021 qtr5.9%2.6%
Sep 2021 qtr4.9%2.4%
Full data: inflation rateFull data: pay vs prices
June 2026 quarterPrices 4.1%Pay rates 2.0%
Annual % change. Consumer prices (CPI): 4.1% in Jun 2026 qtr. Pay rates (LCI): 2.0% in Jun 2026 qtr.

Source: Stats NZ, consumers price index and labour cost index (salary and wage rates), quarterly.

The general election is on 7 November. Here is how New Zealand has changed since the last one.

Luxon's government took office on 27 November 2023. These compare the last reporting period before the 14 October 2023 election with the latest period. Economic shocks, global conditions and earlier decisions also affect the figures. How we choose the periods.

Earlier periods end before the last election, except crime, which compares the 2023 survey with the latest survey. Real house prices show only the percentage change.
MeasureEarlier valueLatest valueChange
Inflation (annual CPI)5.6% (Sep 2023 qtr)4.1% (Jun 2026 qtr)Down 1.6 percentage points
Unemployment rate3.9% (Sep 2023 qtr)5.6% (Jun 2026 qtr)Up 1.7 points, worse
Median weekly rent, new rentals$575 (Jul 2023)$590 (Jul 2026)Up $15.00
Real house prices (OECD index)Sep 2023 qtrMar 2026 qtrDown 8.0%
net government debt, % of GDP38.7% of GDP (2022/23)41.8% of GDP (2024/25)Up 3.1 points
Planned surgery within 4 months63.4% (Jun 2023 qtr)72.6% (Jun 2026 qtr)Up 9.2 points, better
Adults victimised by crime31.6% (2023)27.5% (2025)Down 4.1 points, better
Real GDP per person$54,496 (Year to Mar 2023)$53,138 (Year to Mar 2026)Down $1,358, worse
Election promisesCompare governments on any measureTake the quiz

Eight numbers that matter this election

Each number has a source, a period and a page where you can check it.

Petrol costs 17.9% more than a year ago

Petrol was slightly cheaper than a year earlier in January and February 2026. From March the annual rise jumped, peaking at 30.1% in April.

30.0%+1.8%Sept 25+2.6%Oct+2.8%Nov+1.4%Dec−4.8%Jan 26−6.0%Feb+13.9%Mar+30.1%Apr+28.7%May+23.6%Jun+15.1%Jul+17.9%Aug0.0%
Show the figures
PeriodPetrol prices, annual % change (%)
Aug 202617.9%
Jul 202615.1%
Jun 202623.6%
May 202628.7%
Apr 202630.1%
Mar 202613.9%
Feb 2026−6.0%
Jan 2026−4.8%
Dec 20251.4%
Nov 20252.8%
Oct 20252.6%
Sep 20251.8%
Full data: cost of living price changes
Aug 2026: 17.9%
Petrol costs 17.9% more than a year ago: 17.9% in Aug 2026.

Petrol prices, % change on the same month a year earlier, September 2025 to August 2026. Source: Stats NZ selected price indexes.

+45.8%Diesel, August 2026 on a year earlier
+1.9%Food prices over the same twelve months
1.9%Woolworths NZ earnings before interest and tax, as a share of sales, year to June 2026
Petrol, groceries and supermarket profits

Download the data behind every chart

Every chart here comes from an official dataset you can download. Compare governments on any measure, or take a dataset into the AI assistant you already use.

Explore datasetsCompare governments
net government debtThe Treasury · 1991/92 to 2024/25CSV · JSONConsumers price indexStats NZ · quarterly since 1914CSV · JSONMedian weekly rent by regionMBIE Tenancy Services · monthlyCSV · JSON

80 datasets from 8 organisations

Net government debt is 41.8% of the economy

That was $182.2 billion at 30 June 2025. It was 18.6% of GDP in 2018/19 and climbed through the pandemic years.

Net core Crown debt, % of GDP. Net debt, 2004/05 to 2024/25, latest 41.8%.0%20%40%5.4% in 2007/082004/052024/25
Show the figures
PeriodNet debt (% of GDP)
2024/2541.8%
2023/2441.8%
2022/2338.7%
2021/2235.2%
2020/2129.7%
2019/2026.2%
2018/1918.6%
2017/1819.5%
2016/1721.6%
2015/1623.9%
2014/1524.7%
2013/1425.3%
2012/1325.5%
2011/1223.5%
2010/1119.5%
2009/1013.5%
2008/099.0%
2007/085.4%
2006/077.6%
2005/069.8%
Full data: net core crown debt
Net core Crown debt, % of GDP. Net debt: 41.8% in 2024/25.

Net government debt, % of GDP, years to 30 June. Source: the Treasury.

government spending, tax and debt

Rents have held at $590 a week for a year

That is the median for new rentals in July 2026. In July 2019 it was $450.

$4502019$4702020$5002021$5402022$5752023$6002024$5902025$5902026
Show the figures
PeriodMedian weekly rent, new tenancies (NZ$)
Jul 2026$590
Jul 2025$590
Jul 2024$600
Jul 2023$575
Jul 2022$540
Jul 2021$500
Jul 2020$470
Jul 2019$450
Full data: median rent
Jul 2026: $590
Rents have held at $590 a week for a year: $590 in Jul 2026.

Median weekly rent, new rentals, each July. Source: MBIE Tenancy Services.

Rents, house prices and building

Every health target improved this year

None has reached its 2030 goal yet. Planned surgery moved the most.

Cancer treatment in 31 daysImmunised at age 2Emergency department under 6 hoursSpecialist within 4 monthsPlanned surgery within 4 months2030 target
Cancer treatment in 31 days87.0%
Immunised at age 283.7%
Emergency department under 6 hours76.3%
Specialist within 4 months66.1%
Planned surgery within 4 months72.6%
Show the figures
PeriodCancer treatment in 31 days (%)Cancer treatment in 31 days: 2030 target (%)Immunised at age 2 (%)Immunised at age 2: 2030 target (%)Emergency department under 6 hours (%)Emergency department under 6 hours: 2030 target (%)Specialist within 4 months (%)Specialist within 4 months: 2030 target (%)Planned surgery within 4 months (%)Planned surgery within 4 months: 2030 target (%)
Jun 2026 qtr87.0%90.0%83.7%95.0%76.3%95.0%66.1%95.0%72.6%95.0%
Jun 2025 qtr86.3%90.0%82.0%95.0%73.9%95.0%62.0%95.0%63.9%95.0%
Jun 2024 qtr84.2%90.0%76.5%95.0%71.2%95.0%61.5%95.0%63.5%95.0%
Jun 2023 qtr84.2%90.0%77.0%95.0%71.1%95.0%69.6%95.0%63.4%95.0%
Jun 2022 qtr86.9%90.0%74.3%95.0%75.9%95.0%74.5%95.0%61.0%95.0%
Jun 2021 qtr86.3%90.0%85.4%95.0%81.9%95.0%86.6%95.0%78.1%95.0%
Jun 2020 qtr90.2%90.0%91.4%95.0%89.6%95.0%74.8%95.0%68.6%95.0%
Jun 2019 qtr86.2%90.0%90.8%95.0%86.2%95.0%89.8%95.0%89.6%95.0%
Jun 2018 qtr88.6%90.0%91.9%95.0%89.5%95.0%97.8%95.0%95.1%95.0%
Jun 2017 qtr90.1%90.0%93.4%95.0%90.8%95.0%99.4%95.0%97.9%95.0%
Full data and downloads

April to June 2026. Dashed mark: 2030 target. Source: Health New Zealand.

Waiting times, cancer care and nurses

Unemployment has risen to 5.6%

It was 3.2% at the end of 2021. In June 2026, 413,691 people received a working-age main benefit.

Unemployment rate. Unemployment, Sep 2021 qtr to Jun 2026 qtr, latest 5.6%.0%2%4%6%Sep 2021Jun 2026
Show the figures
PeriodUnemployment (%)
Jun 2026 qtr5.6%
Mar 2026 qtr5.4%
Dec 2025 qtr5.4%
Sep 2025 qtr5.3%
Jun 2025 qtr5.2%
Mar 2025 qtr5.2%
Dec 2024 qtr5.1%
Sep 2024 qtr4.9%
Jun 2024 qtr4.7%
Mar 2024 qtr4.4%
Dec 2023 qtr4.0%
Sep 2023 qtr3.9%
Jun 2023 qtr3.7%
Mar 2023 qtr3.5%
Dec 2022 qtr3.4%
Sep 2022 qtr3.3%
Jun 2022 qtr3.3%
Mar 2022 qtr3.3%
Dec 2021 qtr3.2%
Sep 2021 qtr3.3%
Full data: unemployment
Unemployment rate. Unemployment: 5.6% in Jun 2026 qtr.

Seasonally adjusted. Sources: Stats NZ, Ministry of Social Development.

Jobs, wages and benefits

Fewer adults report being victims of crime

27.5% in the 2025 survey, down from 31.6% in 2023. It counts crime whether or not anyone told the Police.

Adults victimised in the past year. Adults victimised, 2018 to 2025, latest 27.5%.02018: 29.6%2018202120232025
Show the figures
PeriodAdults victimised (%)
202527.5%
202429.5%
202331.6%
202230.7%
202129.0%
201829.6%
Full data: crime victimisation
Adults victimised in the past year. Adults victimised: 27.5% in 2025.

Adults victimised in the past 12 months. 2019 and 2020 are in older releases. Source: Ministry of Justice.

Crime, courts and prisons

The economy grew 2.6% over the past year

The economy per person after inflation was $53,138 in the year to March 2026, 0.3% higher on the year before.

0.0%−4.3%Sept 21+4.1%Dec−0.1%Mar+1.0%Jun+1.9%Sept+0.3%Dec−0.1%Mar+0.9%Jun+0.1%Sept+0.5%Dec0.0%Mar−0.5%Jun−1.2%Sept+0.1%Dec+0.8%Mar−0.6%Jun+0.9%Sept+0.5%Dec+0.9%Mar+0.2%Jun0.0%
Show the figures
PeriodReal GDP, % change from previous quarter (%)
Jun 2026 qtr0.2%
Mar 2026 qtr0.9%
Dec 2025 qtr0.5%
Sep 2025 qtr0.9%
Jun 2025 qtr−0.6%
Mar 2025 qtr0.8%
Dec 2024 qtr0.1%
Sep 2024 qtr−1.2%
Jun 2024 qtr−0.5%
Mar 2024 qtr0.0%
Dec 2023 qtr0.5%
Sep 2023 qtr0.1%
Jun 2023 qtr0.9%
Mar 2023 qtr−0.1%
Dec 2022 qtr0.3%
Sep 2022 qtr1.9%
Jun 2022 qtr1.0%
Mar 2022 qtr−0.1%
Dec 2021 qtr4.1%
Sep 2021 qtr−4.3%
Full data: gdp quarterly
Jun 2026 qtr: 0.2%
Real GDP, growth from the previous quarter: 0.2% in Jun 2026 qtr.

Seasonally adjusted quarterly real GDP growth. Source: Stats NZ.

Economic growth, incomes and population

Tax took 27.9% of the economy last year

That compares with 27.1% ten years earlier.

Core Crown tax revenue, % of GDP. Core Crown tax revenue, 1993/94 to 2024/25, latest 27.9%.0%10%20%30%40%New accounting basis, 1996/97New accounting basis, 2004/051993/942024/25
Show the figures
PeriodCore Crown tax revenue (% of GDP)
2024/2527.9%
2023/2428.7%
2022/2328.0%
2021/2229.7%
2020/2128.5%
2019/2026.8%
2018/1927.9%
2017/1827.1%
2016/1727.4%
2015/1627.2%
2014/1527.1%
2013/1426.0%
2012/1326.8%
2011/1225.6%
2010/1125.0%
2009/1025.7%
2008/0928.8%
2007/0830.0%
2006/0730.5%
2005/0631.0%
Full data: core crown tax revenue
Core Crown tax revenue, % of GDP. Core Crown tax revenue: 27.9% in 2024/25.

Tax, % of GDP, since 1993/94. Lines break at changes in accounting basis. Source: the Treasury.

Changes do not show what any government caused. Economic shocks, global conditions and earlier decisions all play a part. How we compare periods.

tax revenue

64,966 New Zealanders left for 12 months or more in the past year

That compares with 65,225 a year earlier. These count people migrating for at least 12 months; the latest estimates are provisional.

New Zealand citizen departures, annual. New Zealand citizens: departures (unadjusted), Year to Jul 2016 to Year to Jul 2026, latest 64,966.020,00040,00060,00080,000Year to Jul 2016Year to Jul 2026
Show the figures
PeriodNew Zealand citizens: departures (unadjusted) (number)
Year to Jul 202664,966
Year to Jul 202565,225
Year to Jul 202467,267
Year to Jul 202361,204
Year to Jul 202238,726
Year to Jul 202124,350
Year to Jul 202023,301
Year to Jul 201940,142
Year to Jul 201842,382
Year to Jul 201741,268
Year to Jul 201642,040
Full data: migration by citizenship
New Zealand citizen departures, annual. New Zealand citizens: departures (unadjusted): 64,966 in Year to Jul 2026.

Unadjusted migration estimates. Source: Stats NZ.

New Zealand citizen migration

The government spent $26,607 per person in 2024/25

We divide the national totals by the population to put them on a human scale. Figures are for the year to 30 June 2025 and are not adjusted for inflation.

$26,607Government spending per person
$22,855Tax collected per person
$34,212Net government debt per person

Our calculation: Treasury core Crown figures divided by Stats NZ's population estimate at 30 June 2025.

How much government debt is there per person?

More ways to look at the numbers

Compare across governments and countries, or take the raw figures and run your own analysis.

Compare governmentsAny measure, term by term, with the caveats that matter.New Zealand and the worldPrices, incomes and services beside other countries.Election promisesChecked commitments from National and Labour leaders.QuizExplore what the figures say.All 80 datasetsDownload CSV or JSON, with the source and licence for each.Analyse with AIDownload a dataset and get a prompt for the assistant you use.