Rising interest rates are affecting some people more than others.

Latest figures from credit bureau Centrix has found 426,000 New Zealanders are now behind on debt repayments, making up 11.7 percent of people with active credit.

It's the first time arrears have surpassed the levels reached in 2019.

Centrix managing director Keith McLaughlin told Tim Dower people who have recently reached the life stage of buying their first home are finding it tougher right now.

He says people who have been longer-term owners of property have been affected less.

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