NZ Food Insecurity: 1 in 3 Households Struggle to Afford Food

One in Three New Zealand Households Facing Food Insecurity

Nearly one in three households across New Zealand – 33% – struggled to afford enough food in the past year, according to a newly released report by the New Zealand Food Network (NZFN). The findings, stemming from a survey of 3000 people, reveal a significant and rapidly escalating issue of food insecurity impacting communities nationwide. The report highlights that even those in employment are increasingly vulnerable, with 30% of full-time workers reporting difficulty affording sufficient food.

The NZFN’s “Hunger Monitor” is the country’s first comprehensive attempt to tally food insecurity and will serve as a benchmark for annual updates. The research indicates a concerning trend: 68% of households experiencing food insecurity are doing so for the first time this year, demonstrating the speed at which financial pressures are impacting access to nutritious food. This surge in need is placing immense strain on food banks and charities already working to support vulnerable populations.

The Weight of Shame and Barriers to Support

Despite the growing prevalence of food insecurity, a significant barrier to accessing aid is shame and embarrassment. Almost half (49%) of those struggling to afford food reported feeling ashamed or embarrassed to seek support. Other reasons cited for not seeking assistance included the belief that others needed help more (43%) and uncertainty about eligibility (35%).

Gavin Findlay, chief executive of the New Zealand Food Network, emphasized the detrimental effect of this stigma. “There’s long been a stigma around food insecurity in Aotearoa,” he said. “But the reality is that people are facing circumstances beyond their control – and stigma only keeps them in hardship longer.” This reluctance to seek help means many families are enduring hardship in silence, exacerbating the problem.

A Widespread Issue, Cutting Across Demographics

Food insecurity isn’t confined to low-income households. While 48% of low-income households reported experiencing food insecurity, the issue extends to medium-income earners (30%) and even those with higher incomes (12%). This broad impact underscores the pervasive nature of the cost-of-living crisis and its effect on households across the economic spectrum.

The report too revealed disparities across ethnic groups. While food insecurity was experienced across all groups surveyed, it was most prevalent among Pasifika people (73%), followed by Māori (64%), Asian (66%) and Pākehā (68%). A significant proportion of respondents across all ethnic groups – two-thirds – reported experiencing food insecurity for the first time this year.

Geographically, the issue is not limited to rural areas. Urban centres like Wellington (72%) and Auckland (71%) reported similar levels of first-time food insecurity as regions like the West Coast (71%) and Nelson–Tasman–Marlborough (70%). This widespread distribution highlights the systemic nature of the problem and the need for nationwide solutions.

Growing Demand Outstrips Existing Resources

Food hubs and charities are struggling to meet the increasing demand for food assistance. A quarter of severely food insecure households reported that the support they receive is insufficient to meet their needs. Susie Robertson, chief executive of Wellington’s Kaibosh Food Rescue, described the situation as “critical,” noting the challenges of keeping up with rising demand amidst tightening budgets.

The New Zealand Food Network itself plays a crucial role in redistributing surplus and donated food from producers, growers, and manufacturers to 65 food hubs across the country. You can learn more about their work and the network of food hubs they support on their website: https://www.nzfoodnetwork.org.nz/. However, Findlay acknowledges that addressing hunger at this scale requires sustained investment and a collaborative effort.

How the New Zealand Food Network Operates

The New Zealand Food Network acts as a central distribution point for food rescue and relief. They receive food from commercial sources that would otherwise go to waste – due to cosmetic imperfections or surplus – and redistribute it to food hubs. These hubs, which include regional food rescues, iwi organizations, food banks, and other charities, then distribute the food directly to individuals and families in need.

Currently, the NZFN operates two centralized distribution centres, one in Auckland and another in Northland. The network supports a wide range of partners, including the Auckland City Mission, BBM Motivation, and the South Auckland Christian Foodbank. A full list of distribution partners can be found on their website.

The Broader Economic Context

The surge in food insecurity is directly linked to the broader economic pressures facing New Zealand households. Nearly a third (32%) of respondents reported difficulty living on their current income. This financial strain is compounded by rising food prices, with the latest Food Price Index recording its sharpest monthly increase in four years.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that many households have already exhausted their coping mechanisms. As Ian Foster, chief executive of the South Auckland Christian Foodbank, noted, “What we’re seeing more of now is budgeters have done everything they can but people simply do not have enough money because their income has not increased anywhere near living costs.” This suggests that traditional budgeting advice and financial management strategies are no longer sufficient to address the scale of the problem.

What Happens Next?

The Hunger Monitor report serves as a critical baseline for tracking food insecurity in New Zealand. The NZFN plans to release annual updates, providing a continuous assessment of the situation and informing policy decisions. Addressing this crisis will require a multi-faceted approach, including increased investment in food rescue and relief efforts, policies to address income inequality, and initiatives to reduce food waste.

The report’s findings underscore the urgent need for collective action to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to affordable, nutritious food. As Findlay stated, “This is a shared challenge and One can’t do it alone.” You can read more about the findings of the report on RNZ: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/589322/one-in-three-households-struggled-for-food-in-past-year-hunger-monitor-report-finds. Further reporting on the issue can be found at The Press: https://www.thepress.co.nz/nz-news/360964457/one-three-households-experienced-food-insecurity-last-year-report-finds.