2025 New Zealand
Food insecurity is widespread and persistent
One in three households (33%) reported experiencing some form of food insecurity in the past 12 months with nearly one in five (18%) experiencing severe food insecurity.
For many, this is a new challenge
68% of food insecure households reported that they first struggled to afford enough food within the last year.
That certain populations are more likely to face
Higher rates of insecurity reported by respondents identifying as Pacific peoples (64%), Māori (51%) and those aged 18-24 (50%)
Cost of living is the dominant driver of food insecurity
It was cited by 83% of food insecure households, and reduced or unstable income was also a significant factor
Awareness and access to food relief services remain uneven
Just over half of New Zealanders (54%) indicated they would know where to go if they needed food relief. Among food insecure households, fewer than half (44%) had ever accessed food relief from an organisation. Social stigma is a significant barrier to access for a lot of people
