Water and sewage overtakes housing as New Zealanders' top infrastructure priority

Water supply and sewage is now New Zealanders' top infrastructure priority, according to the Ipsos Infrastructure Monitor released 24 August 2026. Forty-seven percent ranked it first. Housing, which led at 55% in 2024, has dropped to sixth. Solar energy rose from sixth to second at 40%, with flood protection third at 39%. Ipsos country manager Carin Hercock said the results marked a shift from two years earlier.