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
Financial Knowledge of New Zealanders
Recognising the importance of measuring financial knowledge as a building block of financial capability, the CFFC introduced financial knowledge questions from the OECD/INFE adult financial knowledge toolkit to its ongoing Financial Capability Barometer survey for the period January to June 2020. The questions, answered by 3132 survey participants, measured the understanding of basic financial concepts such as interest, inflation and risk diversification. Our report analyses New Zealand’s results by age, gender, ethnicity, education, employment status and personal income to identify areas of need and opportunity when targeting delivery of financial education.
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.
2019 Review of Retirement Income Policies research and reports
External reports were commissioned to enhance the evidence base for the 2019 Review and address aspects of the Terms of Reference set by the Government.