What legacy do you want to leave behind?
Our research revealed Kiwis value health over wealth, as we celebrate 30 years of the Blues
There’s a lot to juggle in everyday life, including work, relationships, hobbies and finding time to stay active. For many of us, there’s also a deeper layer to it all: thinking about the example we’re setting for our kids, younger siblings, nieces, nephews, and communities.
With so many influences shaping young people today, it’s natural to reflect on what really matters and the values we want to pass on – especially when it comes to health and wellbeing.
To better understand this, nib set out to explore what kind of legacy Kiwis hope to leave behind. A survey of more than 1,000 New Zealanders found that the majority viewed holistic wellbeing as the foundation for overall success, as opposed to more traditional values such as financial wealth.
Kiwis ranked living a healthy lifestyle as the most important legacy (61%), with achieving a good education (58%) ranking second, giving back to the community (44%) ranking third, and carrying on family traditions (30%) coming in fourth.
Generating wealth and being well-known or respected in the community ranked further down in the survey, rated by just 21% of respondents as important, indicating that while economic stability is important, it’s not the top priority in terms of preparing the youth of Aotearoa for the future.
“We know that Kiwis have faced significant challenges in recent years – so it’s reassuring to know that health and wellbeing remain a priority,” said nib New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Skye Daniels.
“At nib, we’re committed to helping whānau leave a positive health legacy: in the choices they make today, and by supporting generations to live well tomorrow. Through proactive tools, programmes, and community partnerships, we strive to help make healthy living accessible and achievable for everyone. When wellbeing becomes a shared value, it strengthens whānau, communities and Aotearoa.”
What about millennials and Gen Z?
Respondents were also asked how important they believe it is for young people to seek a healthy lifestyle. While 4 in 5 (80%) stated this is important, views change significantly from different generations.
Millennials (aged 35 - 44) are the demographic most likely to prioritise a healthy lifestyle, with 90% indicating its importance. Conversely, this figure is significantly lower among those aged 18-24, at just 60%.
Gen Z (aged 18-24) are most likely to say it’s very unimportant for young people to seek a healthy lifestyle, with 28% holding this view compared to 12% of the general population. This suggests that Gen Z may prioritise other interests at this stage of life, or encounter barriers that make healthy living feel less accessible.
Why health is a legacy we should pass on
Our research coincides with the start of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 season, with our longstanding partner, the Blues, celebrating its 30th anniversary and a long history promoting better health and wellbeing through sports.
In celebration of this milestone, we teamed up with iconic Blues players of past and present to share this kōrero throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.
Rugby legend and member of the original 1996 Blues squad, Carlos Spencer says, “When I was young, at home we had a solid, well-balanced routine. We were led by example instead of instructions, so healthy eating and activity felt normal, not forced. Those habits shaped me as a person and a player. It’s important to remember that health is built quietly, one ordinary day at a time.”
Current nib Blues player, Sylvia Brunt adds, “Because I was the eldest, my dad always told me to lead by example, not only for my siblings or cousins but for anyone in our community. It's so important to nail those habits like nutrition, sleep, recovery to give yourself the best chance on the field. Off field habits make your on-field performance.”
So, what legacy do you want to leave behind? Is it a strong sense of community, financial security for your children, or a love of learning through books and shared experiences? Or, at its heart, is it simply wanting young people to grow up feeling healthy and supported in their wellbeing?
If that’s the case, we are here to help support you and your whānau.
In addition to comprehensive health and life insurance products, nib also offers a range of solutions to help Kiwis embed healthy habits that last a lifetime. Through digital tools such as nib Balance and Symptom Checker, health management programmes, and community partnerships, nib is making proactive health simple and more accessible to every generation.
Learn more about nib’s health and life insurance products and wellbeing tools at www.nib.co.nz
This nib survey was conducted from 5 – 7 December 2025 with a sample of 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18+ from across the country.