Ipsos Infrastructure Monitor - August 2026

Ipsos New Zealand has released its latest report in its Understanding Aotearoa New Zealand series, the Ipsos Global Infrastructure Index 2026.

The study finds New Zealanders are increasingly concerned about the country's infrastructure, with more people dissatisfied than satisfied with the state of national infrastructure. While satisfaction has improved since 2024, New Zealand continues to sit below the global average and well below levels recorded in 2017 and 2019.

The findings point to widespread concern that New Zealand is not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs. Nearly seven in ten New Zealanders (69%) believe the country is falling behind, while an identical proportion say infrastructure has not been adequately adapted to cope with future climate impacts.

Carin Hercock, Country Manager, Ipsos New Zealand, said: “New Zealanders see infrastructure as critical to the country's future, but many feel we're falling behind. While there is strong recognition that investment can drive economic growth and improve resilience, confidence in New Zealand's ability to deliver major infrastructure projects remains low.”

Despite these concerns, New Zealanders clearly recognise the value of infrastructure investment. More than eight in ten (82%) believe investment in infrastructure will create jobs and boost the economy, and almost as many (78%) believe maintaining and repairing existing infrastructure is just as important as building new assets. The survey also reveals a continued shift in infrastructure priorities. Water supply and sewerage is now New Zealand's top investment priority (47%), followed by solar energy infrastructure (40%) and flood defences (39%). At the same time, concern about new housing supply has fallen considerably since 2024, indicating a growing focus on resilience and sustainability.

Key findings from the Infrastructure Monitor include:

• More New Zealanders are dissatisfied with national infrastructure than satisfied (41% vs 31%), and satisfaction remains below the global average (38%).
• Two-thirds (69%) believe the country is not doing enough to meet its infrastructure needs.
• Water supply and sewerage (47%), solar energy infrastructure (40%) and flood defences (39%) are New Zealand's top investment priorities.
• More than eight in ten New Zealanders (82%) believe infrastructure investment will create jobs and boost the economy.
• Only 21% believe New Zealand has a good record of delivering national infrastructure projects.
• While only 41% support increased spending if it means higher taxes or consumer costs, New Zealanders are generally most likely to favour a combination of public and private funding models across a range of infrastructure outcomes.

Amanda Dudding, Executive Director Public Affairs, Ipsos New Zealand, added: “New Zealanders want better infrastructure, but they also recognise the realities of paying for it. The public appears increasingly open to partnership approaches that combine public and private investment to help deliver the infrastructure the country needs.”

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