Can a NZ local explain?

American here visiting NZ with very little understanding of NZ politics. Can a NZ local please explain in simple terms why there is such a high cost of living with (what seems like) extremely low wages?

Buying groceries and gas is expensive but the average salary is $65,852 a year?? How is that right? Even in American dollars that is minimum wage. For comparison our rent in CA is US $42k a year and I make US $125k and I feel like I can barely manage that.

I would’ve thought popular international sports players, like soccer or rugby players, made a lot of money but I guess not?

No shade I think NZ is insanely beautiful, just trying to understand.

Edit: please see my comments for context. It is a genuine question meant for no harm, we all know the US has major issues! Thanks!