How Kiwis actually use Bitcoin in 2026

Stacked CEO Brandon Bucher says a capped, decentralised cryptoasset is appealing to some New Zealanders frustrated by inflation and housing affordability – and has built a platform aimed at making it easier to access.

Buying, spending and paying bills – these are the everyday ways New Zealanders are using Bitcoin. They’re leaning into the ‘currency’ part of cryptocurrency, using Bitcoin to accumulate holdings, buy a coffee, or sort out the utilities.

“Bitcoin is money and people are treating it that way,” says Brandon Bucher, CEO of Stacked, a Bitcoin-only buying and payments platform.

“For me, it’s been a better financial outcome. My money is completely within my control, and it can’t be inflated the way the New Zealand dollar can.”

Traditional saving is only getting harder

It’s only getting harder to spend less than you earn and stay on top of the cost of living.

The property market, which has historically been a key vehicle for Kiwi household wealth, has in recent years become more difficult to access – and Bucher says New Zealanders are increasingly looking at alternative options.

“I started saving 20 years ago, and at that time it was possible. I did okay with a decent salary and I own a home,” he says.