New research from Westpac NZ shows only 13% of New Zealanders are always comfortable splitting a bill evenly, with fairness the biggest sticking point. The findings reinforce the message of the bank's new brand campaign, which highlights the shared money thoughts many New Zealanders have.
A nationally-representative survey of 522 people, conducted on research platform Ideally earlier this month, found 39% of people feel uncomfortable splitting the bill in situations where someone has ordered significantly more than others, while 32% said they felt uncomfortable if one person wasn't drinking alcohol when others were. Nearly a quarter - 23% - said they were always uncomfortable splitting the bill, while only 13% said they were always okay with splitting a bill evenly.
Sarah Williams, Westpac NZ Chief Brand and Marketing Officer, says the bank's new brand campaign looks at people's money hopes, dreams and bugbears, leaning into the collective thoughts we all have.
"Money remains an uncomfortable topic for many of us, but talking about the way we feel often reveals that we're not alone," Ms Williams says.
"From feeling pressured to keep up with your friends through to worrying if you can afford to have a baby or inwardly groaning when someone says, 'let's split the bill!', the chances are if you're thinking it, other people are too."
The survey also showed "friendflation", where people struggle to keep up with their friends financially, is something impacting many New Zealanders. One in four people said they'd made up an excuse to avoid having to admit to friends that an event was too expensive for them.
"We want to help New Zealanders to manage their finances and achieve their goals. We'd love our new campaign to encourage people to talk more openly about money."
Westpac NZ's Creative Partner, Goldilocks, oversaw the production and direction of the new "Collective Thought" TVC and broader campaign.
Dan Wright, Goldilocks Chief Creative Experience Officer, says it's exciting to have the campaign now live in market.
"We wanted to lean into the fact that most people's relationship with money is a bit messy - we're not all ticking off financial milestones one by one.
"We worked closely with the team at Westpac to bring this campaign to life, and are excited about the journey ahead as we continue to develop the brand."
