2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey

The 15th edition of Deloitte Global's Gen Z and Millennial Survey examines the perspectives of more than 22,500 respondents across 44 countries, including 501 respondents in New Zealand.

The findings reveal that New Zealand's Gen Zs and millennials are taking an intentional approach to work and life. Financial pressure, housing affordability and wellbeing concerns are influencing major life decisions, career choices and leadership aspirations. At the same time, younger generations are embracing AI, prioritising continuous learning, and placing increasing importance on purpose, flexibility and meaningful work.

Financial pressure is reshaping life and career decisions

Cost of living remains the leading concern for New Zealand's younger generations, with financial pressures having a greater impact on New Zealanders than on their global peers.

• Many are delaying major life decisions due to financial pressures: Nearly two-thirds of New Zealand Gen Zs (64%) and millennials (67%) say they have delayed major life decisions because of their financial situation, compared with 55% of Gen Zs and 52% of millennials globally.
• Housing affordability is influencing career choices: More than seven in 10 Gen Zs (72%) and almost seven in 10 millennials (69%) say housing affordability or availability impacts where they can work and the career decisions they make.
• Cost of living remains the top concern: More than half of Gen Zs in New Zealand (56%) identify cost of living as a top concern, compared with 38% globally. Among millennials, 46% cite cost of living as a key concern, compared with 42% globally.

Career success is increasingly defined by stability, balance and growth

While younger New Zealanders remain ambitious, traditional leadership progression is no longer their primary measure of success.

• Leadership remains attractive but is not the end goal: Around three-quarters of Gen Zs (77%) and millennials (76%) are interested in leadership roles during their careers. However, only 8% of Gen Zs and 6% of millennials say achieving a leadership position is their primary career goal.
• Stability and balance matter most: Gen Zs are most likely to prioritise financial independence, job stability and security, while millennials are most likely to prioritise maintaining a good work/life balance.
• Future leaders want better support: Flexible work arrangements, higher compensation, leadership coaching and clearer leadership pathways are among the top factors that would increase interest in leadership roles.

AI adoption is accelerating, but organisations have work to do

AI has become part of everyday work for many younger professionals, but gaps remain between adoption and organisational readiness.

• AI is already embedded in day-to-day work: Two-thirds of Gen Zs (66%) and more than three-quarters of millennials (77%) in New Zealand say they use AI in their work.
• Employees see room for improvement: Only 41% of Gen Zs and 50% of millennials say the AI tools provided by their employer are mostly or completely sufficient.
• AI is supporting learning and career development: Among AI users, 69% of Gen Zs and 80% of millennials use AI to find learning and development opportunities. Many are also using AI for career advice, with 62% of Gen Zs and 76% of millennials doing so.

Wellbeing and purpose remain central to the employee experience

While many younger New Zealanders report positive wellbeing overall, stress continues to be a significant challenge.

• Stress remains a reality for many workers: Forty-one percent of Gen Zs and 34% of millennials say they feel stressed all or most of the time.
• Financial concerns are driving anxiety: Long-term financial security, day-to-day finances, family wellbeing and physical health are among the leading sources of stress.
• Purpose continues to matter: Almost all respondents say having a sense of purpose is important to their job satisfaction (97% of Gen Zs and 99% of millennials).

About the Deloitte Global 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey

Deloitte's 2026 Gen Z and Millennial Survey reflects the responses of 14,384 Gen Zs and 8,211 millennials across 44 countries worldwide. In total, 22,595 respondents participated in the research, including 501 respondents in New Zealand.

The survey was conducted between 24 November 2025 and 15 January 2026 using an online, self-complete questionnaire. The research is also informed by qualitative interviews with Gen Z and millennial participants, as well as business leaders, exploring workforce trends, career expectations and intergenerational dynamics.