Young Kiwis more worried about money, survey finds

11.45am

Young New Zealanders are increasingly worried about money, time, family and work, according to a new survey.

The September Tower/NFO survey "What Worries New Zealanders" showed more than half the people surveyed aged 18 to 34 were particularly worried about money.

That was a 25 per cent increase from the first survey in March.

Buying their own home and their level of debt topped financial worries for younger New Zealanders, Tower acting chief executive Colin Taylor said in a statement.

"Between leaving school, university, building a career, buying a first home, and starting a family are some of the most exciting, but also financially challenging stages in life," Mr Taylor said.

Young Aucklanders were the most worried about their ability to buy a home, with 74 per cent aged 18 to 24 and 71 per cent aged 25 to 34 frequently worried.

That compared with 64 per cent and 29 per cent respectively of Wellingtonians, and 50 per cent and 29 per cent of Cantabrians in the same age categories.

However, one in 10 people in that age group was putting in place savings, investments, and insurance plans.

"The survey also revealed younger generations are less concerned about societal issues, with people over the age of 50 more concerned about society becoming less caring, too materialistic and the increasing gap between the rich and the poor," Mr Taylor said.

The twice-yearly survey of 500 people also found a third of New Zealanders worried about the cost of visiting the doctor, about a quarter worried about the availability of hospital treatment, and more than a quarter worried about maintaining a healthy diet.

About two-thirds disagreed with the proposal of a fat tax to help manage obesity.

About a third said they played sport or exercised to relax when worried.

- NZPA