New Zealanders are becoming more conscientious shoppers due to the high cost of living and environmental concerns. 

According to Consumer NZ’s newest Sentiment Tracker data, with increased concerns about climate change, people’s trust in New Zealand’s ability to solve climate change has decreased.

“Our latest data shows an increase in the number of New Zealanders who are very concerned about climate change,” said Jon Duffy, Consumer NZ’s CEO.

“Climate change stands out as being a particularly high concern for people aged 50 and over.” 

According to the watchdog’s research, these climate worries are influencing people’s purchasing patterns. Almost 85 per cent of New Zealanders anticipate continuing or expanding their focus on environmentally sustainable food and shopping choices in the coming year. People want to make ecologically friendly purchases, but they are hampered by the constant cost of living constraints.

In addition, consumer sentiment tracking confirms ​​that the expense of living exceeds all other current worries for New Zealanders of all ages. 

“Whether you’re 18 or 80, right now the cost of living is highly likely to be your number one worry,” said Duffy. 

Since early last year, the cost of living has been New Zealanders’ major issue, but this has now peaked, with well over half of New Zealanders stating it is their primary concern.

More than three in five consumers are also anxious about the cost of food and consumables in the coming year.

And more than eight out of 10 individuals are choosing to buy less expensive products to save money, with nearly 90 per cent of New Zealanders becoming “more selective” about where they spend. 

Last month, Consumer NZ received more than 300 examples of deceptive supermarket pricing promotions from vigilant shoppers as part of its effort to highlight retail pricing practices.