As of 2024, the top 1% in New Zealand earned 12.08% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 20.44%. New Zealand’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 7.72%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for New Zealand in 2024
In 2024, income in New Zealand was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 12.08% of total national income, which is notably lower than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 20.44% of income, notably higher than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | New Zealand | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 12.08% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 35.00% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 20.44% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in New Zealand?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to New Zealand’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 7.72% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 4.36 percentage points to 12.08%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in New Zealand has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 32.68% while the bottom 50% received 15.12%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 35.00% and 20.44% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 7.72% | 32.68% | 15.12% | 17.56 pp |
| 1986 | 7.22% | 31.29% | 15.88% | 15.41 pp |
| 1992 | 11.28% | 36.94% | 13.90% | 23.04 pp |
| 1998 | 13.81% | 39.48% | 13.23% | 26.25 pp |
| 2004 | 21.11% | 40.91% | 20.39% | 20.52 pp |
| 2010 | 22.39% | 41.26% | 19.67% | 21.59 pp |
| 2016 | 11.13% | 32.84% | 23.19% | 9.65 pp |
| 2022 | 12.08% | 35.00% | 20.44% | 14.56 pp |
How New Zealand Compares Globally
New Zealand vs Oceania Average
Compared to other countries in Oceania, New Zealand’s top 1% income share of 12.08% is notably lower than the regional average of 15.41%. The bottom 50% in New Zealand receives 20.44% of income, compared to the Oceania average of 16.05%.
Where New Zealand Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: New Zealand ranks 142nd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: New Zealand ranks 20th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to New Zealand include Canada's wealth gap, income distribution in Spain, Mali.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in New Zealand?
As of 2024, the top 1% in New Zealand earned 12.08% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered moderate by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in New Zealand?
Income inequality in New Zealand has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 7.72% in 1980 to 12.08% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in New Zealand?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in New Zealand received 20.44% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 35.00%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.