Research and Reports
CFFC's ongoing research and evaluation projects inform our thought leadership on retirement policy, and give us a deeper understanding of the level of financial capability in New Zealand, and how it compares to that of people around the world.
Our policy research forms an evidence base on which we make recommendations to government; our financial capability research enables us to work across government and with other organisations to help improve New Zealanders' financial capability in the future.
Latest research
Effect of financial stress on personal relationships
To support Mental Health Awareness Week 2020, the CFFC drew data from its Financial Capability Barometer Survey showing that 1 in 5 New Zealanders reported negative effects on their personal relationships from financial stress. Some groups suffered more than others, and the results also showed conflict of this nature correlated with a lack of long-term financial planning, a propensity to spend rather than save, and reluctance to discuss money.
Sorted Money Week 2020 – question analysis
In response to Sorted’s 2020 Money Week theme of “Just wondering”, nearly 1000 questions were sent in from the public. The CFFC’s Research Lead Dr Celestyna Galicki analysed the main themes and topics that emerged, providing an indication of the areas in which New Zealanders need the most help financially.
Financial Capability Barometer Report 2018-2019
More than 15,500 New Zealanders contributed to the CFFC’s Financial Capability Barometer during two years of rolling surveys through 2018 and 2019. This compilation and analysis is a remarkable insight into New Zealanders’ beliefs and behaviour around money, many of which have been reinforced due to the effects of COVID-19.
CFFC Barometer Webinar Aug 2020 – Financial Capability Barometer Report 2018-2019
CFFC Barometer Webinar Aug 2020 – Financial Capability Barometer Report 2018-2019
Changes in financial attitudes during and after the first lockdown
CFFC Barometer survey data gathered between January and June 2020 was aggregated into three two-month blocks to detect whether New Zealanders' attitudes and behaviour around money changed during and just after the first lockdown.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Financial Wellbeing
In April 2020 during the last two weeks of Level 4 lockdown, CFFC surveyed 3000 people on the effects of COVID-19 on their financial wellbeing. This was part of a study being undertaken in eight countries. The New Zealand results will be updated as those of other countries come to hand.
Retirement Policy Research and Reports
Financial Capability Research and Reports
IPSOS Focus Group Research
Research company IPSOS held a series of focus groups as part of the 2019 Review of Retirement Income Policies, in which New Zealanders talked about what retirement meant to them, including from a financial perspective.
CFFC data report for the 2019 Review of Retirement Income Policies
CFFC compiled a range of data from its quarterly Barometer Financial Capability Survey to inform the 2019 Review of Retirement Income Policies. Information relates to income in retirement, KiwiSaver, public opinion on KiwiSaver fees and ethical investment, and data on assets, liabilities and labour force participation.