According to research conducted by crypto exchange Easy Crypto, about 14% of New Zealanders surveyed own or previously owned cryptocurrencies. In 2022, this figure was 10%.

In May 2024, New Zealand-based cryptocurrency exchange Easy Crypto conducted a survey of 1,034 New Zealanders asking their opinions on the current economic situation and cryptocurrencies. The report found that adoption of cryptocurrencies in New Zealand is rapidly growing, with locals recognizing the potential of digital assets and willing to invest in them.

The researchers found that only 16% of respondents would invest in property, while 58% of New Zealanders planned to invest in digital assets. 40% of investors agree that cryptocurrencies provide high returns.

While cryptoassets can solve many of the problems inherent in traditional finance (high transaction fees and slow international transfers), survey respondents cited reasons that make it difficult to enter the cryptocurrency space.

72% of respondents who have not yet invested in cryptocurrencies consider this process difficult: people do not know where to start and who to turn to for help. 50% of respondents said there is a need for educational seminars about cryptocurrencies and the establishment of clear regulatory rules for cryptocurrency service providers.

“Cryptocurrencies are becoming mainstream. The US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) approval of Bitcoin and Ethereum spot ETFs is proof of this. People used to ask if they should invest in cryptocurrencies, but now they are looking for places where they can invest in digital assets at the lowest cost,” said Easy Crypto CEO Janine Grainger.

Last year, Granger said New Zealand banks were intimidating customers transacting in cryptocurrencies and trying to dissuade them from using digital assets.