Kiwis have their say about their legacy

• 3 in 5 (61%) Kiwis say the most important lesson to pass on to young people is how to maintain a healthy lifestyle

• Only 1 in 5 (21%) state wealth is a top priority

• 9 in 10 (90%) Millennials say healthy lifestyles are important for young people

Research from health and life insurer, nib New Zealand, has found that 3 in 5 (61%) Kiwis believe that the most important lesson to pass to young people is how to live a healthy lifestyle, while just 1 in 5 (21%) believe wealth is a top priority.

The findings of the survey, which sought to uncover more than 1,000 Kiwis’ views on the idea of legacies, give credence to the saying ‘health is wealth’, with the majority viewing 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,” Mrs Daniels said. “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.”

Majority believe young people should seek healthy lifestyles, Gen Z disagree

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 need to pass on

This research coincides with the start of the DHL Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki 2026 season, with nib’s longstanding partner, the Blues, celebrating its 30th anniversary and a long history promoting better health and wellbeing through sports.

Karl Budge, the Blues Chief Executive Officer, says, “As we celebrate 30 years of the Blues, we’ve been reflecting on what it means to leave a lasting legacy. True victories come from the passion and wellbeing of our community – including our players, our families, our fans, and our partners who share our mission.”

“Teaming up with nib for another year, we know we can champion proactive health together. We want to show all Kiwis that good health is not just a personal goal, but a legacy we can pass on to future generations,” he said.

In celebration of this milestone, nib has 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.”

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

Survey was conducted from 5 – 7 December 2025 with a sample of 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18+ from across the country.