20 August 2026
New Zealanders say international
events (31%) and the current coalition
government (29%) are most responsible for
increases in the cost of living in the past 12
months.
The 1,028 adult respondents to the August 5 to
11 survey could choose only one answer from 7
options.
- 31% felt that
“international events and conditions” in that time was
responsible. There were no significant differences across
age, gender, employment status, or
region. - 29% felt that the current
coalition Government was most responsible. There were no
significant differences across gender, employment status, or
region. Results for Māori respondents and respondents in
one parent households had above average opinions that the
current coalition Government was most responsible;
respondents aged 75 years or over had below average results
for this option. - 17% felt the
previous Labour government was most
responsible.
What
the government should priorities to cut prices
Asked
what areas the government should prioritise to cut prices,
respondents chose three main areas:
- Electricity
and gas bills: 72%. There were no
significant differences across household income and personal
income groups. This peaked at 80% for those
aged 55 plus, primarily among those aged 65-74 years.
“Electricity and gas bills” was more important than
average for respondents who were Retired/Superannuitants or
Unemployed/Beneficiaries, one parent families with one or
two children at home, people living in extended family
situations, Māori and 2023 Labour Party voters. It was less
important than average for under 35s, Aucklanders, students,
Pasifika respondents and 2023 ACT voters. - Grocery
prices: 70%. There were no significant
differences across the regions or household and personal
income groups. “Grocery prices” was more important than
average for those aged 35-44 years, females, Labourer/
Agricultural / Domestic Workers, Home-makers, Unemployed/
Beneficiaries, one-parent families with children at home,
Māori and 2023 Labour Party voters. It was less important
than average for respondents aged 75 years or more, males
and 2023 ACT and National Party voters. - Fuel prices
(petrol and diesel): 61%. This was more
important than average for those aged 65-74 years, females,
Unemployed/ Beneficiaries and Northlanders. It was less
important than average for under 35s, males, Professional
/Senior Government Officials, Business Manager/Executives,
Pasifika respondents, those with household income or
personal income of more than $200,000 per year, and 2023 ACT
and Green Party voters.
Full
Horizon Research survey report
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The full survey report
can be downloaded here –
https://horizonpoll.co.nz/page/756/public-blame-co. It also
provides results on how much influence the public think each
of the three parties in the coalition government have, and
how accountable each is for the coalition’s
decisions.
The survey was commissioned by Horizon as
part of its public interest research programme to help make
sure New Zealanders’ views are heard by those making
decision which affect them.
A complete Newsroom report
on this survey also provides comment from the coalition
parties
(https://newsroom.co.nz/2026/08/19/kiwis-say-trump-and-coalition-to-blame-for-inflation-not-labour-poll-finds/?utm_source=Newsroom&utm_campaign=ef18516e05-Daily_Briefing+20.08.2026&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_71de5c4b35-ef18516e05-86405197&mc_cid=ef18516e05&mc_eid=34656ec774).
