Since 2019, we have asked working people to talk about their experiences of work over the past 12 months, and what their thoughts are on issues likely to impact their work and lives in the future.
We do this because we think the voice of working people should be heard by all of us, especially by decision-makers. Too often the voices that are collated and published are only those from the boardroom or from employers. Without the voice of working people provided by this survey, and unions more broadly, we are limited to an unbalanced narrative, limited to knowing only how confident business owners feel or what a handful of high-profile directors think. When only part of the economic story is heard, fair and inclusive decisions – good decisions – are less likely to be made.
The 2025 survey reveals deep concerns from respondents regarding their work lives, housing, health care, and perceptions of the coalition government in Aotearoa New Zealand. Common themes include rising workloads without adequate staffing, financial strain from stagnant wages, and dissatisfaction with management practices and job security. Government funding cuts and restructuring have further worsened these issues, creating stress and burnout among workers.
In housing, respondents highlighted unaffordability, and inequities driven by investor activity and ineffective policies. Many expressed frustrations with rental instability and substandard living conditions. Calls for systemic change highlighted the need for affordable, secure housing as a fundamental right.
Health care concerns were focused on high costs, long wait times, and regional disparities in access. Respondents want to see increased public health funding, improved equity, and resistance to privatisation to ensure universal and quality care.
Criticism of the government was sharp, focusing on perceived corruption, economic mismanagement, and the erosion of public services. Respondents highlighted the negative impact of austerity measures and tax policies that favour the wealthy, while calling for fairer taxation, better representation, and more investment in public services and infrastructure.
The overarching sentiment across themes underscores a demand for systemic reforms to address inequality, protect workers, and strengthen public services for a more equitable society.
