Is romance dead in New Zealand?
New Zealanders have delivered a very 2026 answer to an age‑old question: would you rather have more sex or more money?
In a new Valentine's Day poll by Kiwi‑owned jobs platform ZEIL, more than 500 respondents were asked to pick between boosting their love life or their bank balance – and Cupid never stood a chance.
A total of 69% said they'd rather see more dollars than desire, leaving just 31% opting for more sex.
"This isn't a doom-and-gloom story," says Caitlin Langlands, marketing manager at ZEIL, in a statement. "What we're seeing is people backing themselves and chasing better opportunities. Ambition is hot."
According to ZEIL, the poll points to a shift in mindset among workers who are thinking carefully about what they want from their jobs and then going out to get it. Rather than just settling, jobseekers are more willing to hunt for roles that feel like a genuine step up.
"Money represents freedom, options, and confidence," Langlands said. "When people feel in control of their work and their income, they feel more secure and more attractive – and that carries into the rest of their lives."
Career priorities come first
The findings come as more workers feel empowered to move on from roles that no longer fit their lifestyle or values.
ZEIL says jobseekers are increasingly prioritising positions that offer room to grow, flexible arrangements, and pay packets that reflect their skills and effort.
"We're seeing people level up," Langlands says. "They want work that gives them options. And options are attractive."
ZEIL added that the data hint at a broader cultural shift: Kiwis are reframing career success as something that can support happier lives overall, rather than compete with them.
"Money isn't about excess," Langlands says. "It's about choice. Choice to travel, choice to invest in yourself, choice to build the life you actually want."
