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15 Great Things New Zealanders Can be Optimistic About

Feeling overwhelmed by negative news? Despite challenges, New Zealand remains one of the best places to live. From free healthcare and high-quality education to financial stability, safety, and a thriving startup scene—discover fifteen great reasons why Kiwis have plenty to be optimistic about.
Updated 13 February 2025
Summary:
With ongoing global wars and conflict, volatile politics, and economic struggles locally (e.g., New Zealand's ongoing recession, cost of living, changing workplaces, etc.), it’s never been easier to think everything’s bleak in the world and New Zealand. There are an infinite number of problems that we can all likely point to, including:
  • Declining productivity
  • Rising inequality
  • Housing crisis
  • High mortgage rates (relative to the near-0% interest period of 2020-2022)
  • Layoffs​

Compounding this problem is the constant barrage of news and social media that reinforces this message. With everyone owning a smartphone or a laptop, it has never been easier for news outlets to reinforce these "doom and gloom" messages to us daily (and sometimes hourly).

However, there are some silver linings specifically for New Zealanders to pay attention to. Gratitude is one of the best ways scientifically proven to improve mood and life satisfaction - and we've become accustomed to only looking for the problems in our lives (while taking some of the most significant benefits for granted - just because everyone else has them). 

Important: We’ve written this guide broadly to apply to all New Zealanders, but some points below may be more relevant for younger New Zealanders or those living specifically in New Zealand rather than those working abroad.

Why does this matter? 
  • While money is essential (and is akin to oxygen: if you don't have any, that's the only thing you'll be thinking about), money likely only brings happiness up to a point per Princeton research (although this has been contested in 2024 Forbes-published research).
  • It's not always greener on the other side of the fence. It's easy to look at other people's lives on Instagram or Facebook and think they're living happier, healthier and better lives than you. However, please don't believe what you see on social media.​

MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his views about why living in New Zealand has a lot of value:

"It's easy to be consumed by the never-ending cycle of negative news of light sentences ('home D for taking a life, home D for defrauding your employer'), violence, gang crimes, government policies limiting healthcare and education, and many other stories. Bad news is always front and centre, but what often gets lost in this noise is that New Zealand remains one of the best places in the world to live.

We have strong institutions, a resilient economy, and a quality of life that people in many other countries could only dream of. This is why many people want to move to New Zealand - we're five or so million in a world of 8+ billion, and we are doing well (comparatively).

However, that's not to say we don't have real challenges—rising inequality, a tough housing market (the long-term problems this creates cannot be understated), and high living costs are genuine issues. But perspective matters. New Zealanders have access to free healthcare, a strong social safety net, low crime rates, and high personal freedom. We often take for granted the ability to invest without capital gains tax (in many cases), flexible work opportunities, and world-class nature right at our doorstep.

This guide isn't about ignoring our problems—it's about recognising our advantages while working towards an even better future. It's about taking stock of opportunities and focusing on solutions instead of just doom and gloom. Because despite everything, there are still plenty of reasons to be optimistic about life in New Zealand".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Our List of 15 Great Things About Living in New Zealand

While each section is unique, there are a few overlapping themes in this list. Namely:
  1. Travel
  2. Finance and Wealth
  3. Quality of Life in New Zealand
  4. Technology
  5. Social and Societal

Strength of the New Zealand Passport

​Many New Zealanders consider the New Zealand passport “no big deal” until they travel abroad and realise just how many doors it opens. Whether you're planning your next overseas holiday, thinking about studying in another country or dreaming of relocating for a job, a Kiwi passport provides relatively hassle-free travel to many parts of the world. 

If you've only got a New Zealand passport, it's hard to know what it's like to use a different passport issued from a different country. However, if you've only got a passport from a country that's not so accessible, it'll be the thing that causes you a lot of stress (especially if you're travelling often). 

New Zealanders effectively have a golden ticket (whether through birth or citizenship) — New Zealand passports rank as one of the strongest passports in the world. New Zealanders rank joint 6th (2024) in the world out of almost 200 countries and can travel to over 120 countries without needing a visa or (at least getting one on arrival). 

This kind of freedom opens up the world, making travelling far less bureaucratic and more about the adventure. Whether it's a European escapade, backpacking across Southeast Asia, or a road trip through the U.S., the Kiwi passport gives you flexibility that few others enjoy.
In contrast, just by the nature of where people were born, they may have been far less lucky.

Apart from just visiting for tourism and travel, the New Zealand passport gives us unique working rights to countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and others. We've written extensively about this in our Working Holiday Visa guide (including for those in their 30s). Additionally, New Zealanders have the unique benefit of being able to work indefinitely in Australia through the SCV 444 visa. ​

NZ Super Payments (Income Security in Retirement Without Means Testing)

Once New Zealanders hit retirement age (currently age 65, but this may increase for younger New Zealanders when they hit retirement age), they’re eligible for NZ Super. It’s one of the few pensions globally around that isn’t means-tested, meaning you get it regardless of how much you have in savings or other assets.

Knowing that this will be there later in life is a relief and allows you to take certain financial risks when you’re young — like starting a business, investing in yourself or spending more of your money earlier in life (when you have the health or the family to do so) — without fear if you’ve got enough money decades down the line.

While it may not make anyone a millionaire overnight, it does provide a universal safety net. In contrast, other countries require you to prove that you lack sufficient income or assets (e.g. they're means-tested – like Australia). The beauty of NZ Super is its sense of dignity and simplicity. After a lifetime of work — whether full-time employment, raising a family, running a small business, or even part-time casual jobs — every Kiwi can look forward to some level of financial independence and stability in their later years. 

Know This: Even if New Zealanders want to keep working past 65, they can do so without sacrificing their NZ Super (although they will still be taxed on these sources). This policy offers flexibility and personal choice so people can decide how to transition into retirement at their own pace.​

High-Quality Standard of Living

​If there's anything you'll hear consistently from those who've either lived in or visited New Zealand from abroad, it's the amazing quality of life. Whether it's Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, New Zealand cities frequently score high in global quality-of-life rankings. 

Alongside the Nordic countries, New Zealand consistently ranks in the top 10 countries to live for quality of life. Whether it's the great public services, wildlife and nature we're surrounded by (and take for granted), and communities that genuinely value a work-life balance - New Zealand is seen by many around the world as one of the best places to maximise the quality of life (and explains why so many young people undertake one-year working holiday visas to places like Queenstown).  

We might take it for granted, but for anyone from a polluted area, it's a game-changer. For many New Zealanders who have lived in New Zealand their whole lives, you've probably never seen anything like haze or pollution that people overseas talk about. However, in places like China, Indonesia, India and parts of Europe, pollution is a very real thing that causes ongoing health problems for residents.

Free (or Near-Free) Healthcare and Services (e.g. ACC, GP visits, cancer surgery etc.)

Ask anyone in America, and they'll likely tell you that access to healthcare and paying insurance premiums is the primary stressor for them. Losing their job isn't just about losing their job security—it's about losing their employer's coverage for their healthcare costs.

While we may not worry very much about getting ill and take things like ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation), free accident and emergency (A&E) care or public operations and surgeries for granted - this setup and system is not the case in many countries around the world. 

One of the biggest points of stress for many around the world (in particular, places like the USA where healthcare is fully privatised) is having to go to the hospital (especially if uninsured) or having to deal with extremely exorbitant health insurance premiums (which can take up around 12% of American’s median household income). In New Zealand, a visit to the hospital won't bankrupt you (but for Americans, a hospital visit can cost millions). 

Services like ambulances, hospitals and ACC mean you’re covered if something goes wrong. Additionally, everyday GP visits are subsidised and, depending on your age, income or situation, might be free (thanks to the various government exemptions). 

Know This: Free healthcare isn't just about financial relief but peace of mind. Often, the anxiety and stress of the potential liabilities you might encounter if you fall ill can be more severe than the illness itself. For many New Zealanders, if you fall ill or get injured, you can focus on getting better and not on how much it will cost (something that many people worldwide don't have the luxury of doing). 

Cheap flights (despite the distance to/from New Zealand) and a relatively strong NZD against many other countries

​New Zealand’s geographical isolation means long-haul travel is often necessary, but airfare prices have become more competitive than ever, thanks to increasing airline capacity and seasonal pricing. While Air New Zealand fares can sometimes be expensive, a range of full-service and regional airlines—such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and China Southern—keeps prices in check by offering competitive deals throughout the year. The introduction of lesser known Chinese airlines to the market has also provided low-cost alternatives to Asia and beyond.

Additionally, despite the lack of true low-cost carriers flying direct to New Zealand, airfare prices to key destinations remain historically low, especially during off-peak seasons. Major hubs such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Singapore, and Los Angeles often see discounted fares due to high flight frequency and airline competition. For those willing to add a stopover, flying via Hawaii, Fiji or Asia can provide even greater savings.

At the same time, the New Zealand Dollar has remained relatively strong against many global currencies, giving Kiwis better spending power abroad (as our dedicated guide explains). While the NZD fluctuates, it has performed well, making travel to destinations like Vietnam, Thailand, Mexico, Japan and Portugal highly affordable. Even in traditionally expensive regions like the UK, the US, and Japan, smart money management and travel credit cards can significantly reduce costs.

Using the right tools can make travel even cheaper, as our guides outline:
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is essential, but comparing policies is crucial to avoid overpaying.
  • Travel Money Cards: A dedicated travel money card helps avoid excessive foreign exchange fees.

Good Work-Life Balance

In contrast to many other countries overseas, New Zealand working culture is a mix of quality work but not at the expense of family time, or burning yourself out (although exceptions always exist). New Zealanders are known for having a more laid-back approach to work than other high-income countries without sacrificing productivity or ambition. 

Many New Zealand workplaces acknowledge the value of family time, cultural activities, and community engagement, offering more flexibility in working hours or the possibility of remote work. Employers generally understand the importance of taking time off, and overtime isn’t seen as a badge of honour (unlike some countries that have that culture, like Singapore, the USA, China or Japan). 

It’s not unusual to see parents stepping out in the afternoon to pick their children up from school and then log back in later in the evening or employees finding time to head to the beach at the weekend. Even in the corporate world, many New Zealand companies strive to create a culture that focuses on outcomes rather than clocking in and out (e.g. no "Facetime"). This dynamic can help reduce burnout, foster creativity, and encourage a happier workforce. After all, a well-rested, contented employee tends to be more engaged and innovative.

Strong Labour Laws

Laws supporting employees can vary drastically depending on what country you’re working in. New Zealand labour laws are some of the strongest in the world and ensure that many New Zealanders have good rights and aren’t taken advantage of, such as:
Some or all of the above often do not exist in many countries, leading to poorer outcomes for many employees overseas – creating significant stress.

Strong Government Safety Nets (e.g. Jobseeker Benefit/Unemployment benefit)

One of the underrated things about living in New Zealand is the safety net available when times get tough. Things like Jobseeker Benefits, Working for Families, and other support from the Ministry of Social Development can make a massive difference, especially when you're just starting (e.g. you're young, out of uni and unable to land a graduate job) or if things don't go according to plan (like you're mid-30s halfway through your career and unexpectedly get laid off by your employer). 

The support is there to help you get back on your feet, and it's reassuring to know that if you lose a job or fall on hard times, you won't just be left out in the cold. In contrast, other countries have fewer support systems (like the United States of America, which has far weaker social security safety nets). 

New Zealand's welfare system encourages people to take risks, start new things, and ultimately contribute to society, knowing they have something to fall back on if things don't work out. If you're facing a job loss, check out our guide to Layoffs, Redundancies and Restructures - Your Rights and Next Steps.​

(Near) Zero Cost Brokerage and Investment Platforms with No Capital Gains Tax (for Many Investment Options)

In the old days, investing in shares was an extremely clunky and difficult process, whereby investors would have to physically phone their brokers and place trades (often with huge fees and spreads on transactions). 

Currently, platforms like Sharesies, Tiger Brokers, Hatch and Stake enable any New Zealander to start investing with just a few dollars and (near) zero commissions on many investments. It’s accessible, understandable, and designed for everyone, which would have been almost unthinkable in the 1980s and 1990s. 

Know This: New Zealanders can now pick and choose from thousands of global stocks, opening the door to financial independence at any age or income level. Unlike many other countries, New Zealand has no capital gains tax on shares (except in cases where FIF rules apply), making investing even more attractive for long-term wealth building.

More details:

(Near zero) poverty levels and high GDP per capita (despite what can sometimes feel like a K-shape economy)

​One of the biggest struggles many countries face is ensuring their citizens have access to good jobs and opportunities to build wealth. New Zealand is fortunate to have strong economic foundations, including a resource-rich land base that supports agriculture and farming, as well as a thriving tourism sector that provides employment in many regions. These industries, along with financial services and technology, contribute to a high GDP per capita, which was around $72,000 in 2023—placing New Zealand among the world's wealthier nations.

At the same time, New Zealand has relatively low poverty rates compared to many developed nations. Material hardship (measuring whether people lack essential goods and services due to financial constraints) affected over 12% of New Zealanders in 2023 per StatsNZ data, down from previous years. Child poverty rates have also been declining, driven by targeted government policies, employment growth, and wage increases.

However, despite these positive trends, we argue that New Zealand’s economy exhibits K-shaped characteristics, meaning wealth and income growth are unevenly distributed. Those with higher skills, assets, or professional jobs—such as tech workers, investors, and business owners—have benefited disproportionately from economic gains. Meanwhile, lower-income earners, particularly those in tourism, hospitality, and lower-skilled jobs, often struggle with rising living costs, housing unaffordability, and stagnating wages. This divide is evident in housing wealth: homeowners who purchased before the property boom have seen massive capital gains, while younger generations face high barriers to entry.

Despite these disparities throughout New Zealand and an ongoing media focus on the inequality, New Zealand remains one of the safest and most economically resilient nations globally, with strong welfare and employment support structures.

Our View: Despite concerns about rising inequality, New Zealand remains one of the wealthiest countries globally on a per capita basis. Strong social policies and access to education, employment, and healthcare ensure that most New Zealanders have a relatively high standard of living compared to the rest of the world. While economic challenges exist, our high minimum wage, government support systems, and strong economic foundations mean New Zealand remains a place where people can still build a good life--especially when compared to many other nations.

Time (particularly for younger New Zealanders)

Specifically for young New Zealanders – the biggest advantage they have is time. Time enables compounding, so those investing early in shares, funds and/or their careers generally see quality returns over time. Time is such an overlooked trait because it's hard to appreciate – but many young New Zealanders today will have a very long life ahead of them filled with technological advancement and improvements in healthcare. 

If you're thinking about investing for the first time, we believe the best time to start is today. Our guides to Compound Interest, Compound Interest Calculator, Managed Funds and Index Funds has more information to make investing easy and cost-effective.

Our View: With longer life expectancies, better healthcare, and access to investment tools like index funds and KiwiSaver, those who start investing early or pursuing personal growth will see exponential benefits. Unlike previous generations, today’s youth have more knowledge, tech tools, and opportunities at their fingertips than ever before. Whether it’s building wealth, travelling, or changing careers multiple times, young Kiwis have the chance to shape their future on their terms.

The Ability to Work Remotely or Flexibly

Flexible work (hybrid or fully remote) was a pipe dream 5-10 years ago. However, since the 2020 pandemic, adopting a hybrid or flexible working structure has become culturally much more common. Additionally, the rise of freelancing, part-time work, gig economy jobs, and online businesses has meant working remotely is not more accessible than ever. Some companies are now hiring fully remote roles.

The ability to work online has revolutionised how people earn an income. With our fast and reliable internet, you can easily connect with global markets and clients. It doesn't matter if you're in a big city or a small town — you have access to the same opportunities and can design a career that works for you. This kind of freedom is empowering, and it means you aren’t limited by geography when thinking about your future.

Nature (Clean Air, Quality Beaches, Wildlife, Flora, Fauna, etc.)

New Zealand has some of the world's highest-quality air, water and nature. Even in big cities like Auckland or Wellington, there's near zero air pollution (which arguably we take it for granted). New Zealand air quality is consistently ranked among the best in the world (which impacts your health and overall well-being greatly).

Whether that's going for a run, walking along a beach, or just enjoying a sunny day in the park - you can take comfort in the fact you're taking deep breaths of crisp, clean air. In contrast, cities and countries with health concerns (e.g., smog in China or wildfires in California) force people to purchase air purifiers, stay indoors for long periods of time, or outright move out of the cities/countries.

In New Zealand, you can surf, swim, or simply chill with friends while watching a spectacular sunset. Public national parks are generally free. Some beaches are perfect for social gatherings and parties, while others offer secluded spots to enjoy solitude (with usually very few people). In overseas countries, similar-quality beaches can be incredibly crowded (and usually have far lower-quality water, sand, air, etc.). 

Physical Safety and Security

While New Zealand isn’t perfect, it stands out as one of the safer countries. Many New Zealanders grow up without the constant worry of gun violence, violent crimes and terrorism. Gun laws are very strict in New Zealand, and the police generally do a good job dealing with issues.

There’s a sense of security that underpins everyday life. Kids walk or bike to school in many communities, and you're more likely to encounter friendly, neighbourly waves than locked gates or barbed-wire fences. Many people feel safe walking around the streets at night in well-lit, busy areas. The peace of mind that comes from living in a relatively calm environment is something many people around the world crave, and it fosters a more optimistic outlook on life.

There are always bad stories—like the Christchurch father who killed a man helping his son, the Tesla sword attacker, and countless other horrific incidents. However, compared to other countries, New Zealand is still much safer.

Democracy and Freedom of Expression

​Generally, New Zealanders can voice whatever they feel without the threat of violence or backlash. This isn't the case for many countries around the world. New Zealand's stable democracy and freedom of expression are fundamental to its reputation as a fair and open society. Elections are held regularly and are generally free from corruption. New Zealand doesn’t censor anyone’s views (no matter how varying they may be).

Further to this, many local MPs are approachable, hosting public meetings and doing direct outreach to the public, fostering a direct connection between citizens and their representatives. The knowledge that your concerns can be heard and that you have a genuine say in who governs you is empowering, fuelling optimism that positive change is possible.
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