Trust in others

Why is this important for social statistics?

Measuring people’s trust in others helps to show how people feel about their community. When people trust those around them, they’re more likely to cooperate and develop good relationships.

This indicator measures the proportion of the population aged 18 years and over who said people can ‘almost always’ or ‘usually’ be trusted.

Most recent data

The graphs below are interactive. Hover over data points to see exact values. Click legend text to hide or show variables.

Figure 1

^{Note: Based on a scale where 0 is not trusted at all and 10 is trusted completely.}See information about this data.

Figure 2

^{Note: Based on a scale where 0 is not trusted at all and 10 is trusted completely.}
See information about this data.

Figure 3

^{Note: Based on a scale where 0 is not trusted at all and 10 is trusted completely.}
See information about this data.

Figure 4

See information about this data.

Information about the New Zealand data

Figures 1, 2, and 3
Date published: August 2015
Next update expected: 2017
Update frequency: Two-yearly
Geographic coverage: National and subnational
Demographic information available? Yes
Internationally recognised measure? Yes
Source: Statistics NZ – New Zealand General Social Survey (NZGSS)
Purpose of the survey or data: The New Zealand General Social Survey provides information on the well-being of New Zealanders aged 15 years and over. It covers a wide range of social and economic outcomes.
Data quality: See New Zealand General Social Survey: 2014 – Data quality.

Information about the international data

Figure 4

Date published: 2011
Next update expected: TBA
Update frequency: Two-yearly
Source: OECD, Society at a glance
Purpose of the survey or data: To collect and publish information about societies (including ratings of the level of trust people have within their society) from surveys of OECD countries.
Data quality: See Society at a glance 2011: OECD social indicators – trust.
Geographic coverage: International

Want to know more?

Statistics NZ – New Zealand General Social Survey: 2014
Statistics NZ – New Zealand General Social Survey – information releases
Ministry of Social Development – The social report: 2010
OECD – Society at a glance